The Rizla Suzuki MotoGP team is on the way to Sepang in Malaysia to resume its preparations for the 2010 season at the first of three tests scheduled before the season opener at Qatar in March.
Loris Capirossi and Álvaro Bautista will be riding their Suzuki GSV-R’s for the first time since last November and both are eager to achieve as much testing as possible in readiness for the first race.
Capirossi has been training hard throughout the enforced winter break and the experienced Italian is in peak condition as he prepares to start his 21st season in top-flight motorcycle racing.
Bautista will be appearing at Sepang for the first time on a MotoGP machine since joining the Suzuki squad at the end of last season. So far, Bautista has completed two tests on the Suzuki GSV-R – at Valencia and Estoril – and is keen to continue his learning curve within the premier class after his transition from the 250cc championship. The Sepang test will also be the first time that Bautista will appear in full Rizla Suzuki livery.
Sepang is an ideal test track as it offers an enticing mix of tight turns, fast sweeping corners and - along with its two long straights and usual good weather - it makes for a near-perfect venue for MotoGP testing.
Following a shakedown test for factory test rider Nobuatsu Aoki on the 3rd of February, the official two-day test gets underway on Thursday 4th February, with the first race of the 2010 MotoGP season scheduled at Losail in Qatar on Sunday 11th April.
Loris Capirossi: “It feels like a very long time since I was on the bike and just cannot wait to start riding again – I am even having trouble sleeping because I am so excited about getting back to work! I know the guys at Suzuki have been working really hard this winter so we will hopefully be able to get on the pace – or close to it - from day one at Sepang. We are looking forward to a good package and I am also going to the factory after the test to do some work with the guys in Hamamatsu to try and make the bike the best it can be in time for the start of the season. After 20 seasons, I am as focused coming into this year as I have ever been and still really enjoy everything to do with MotoGP. I certainly feel like I have unfinished business in racing and a few more milestones to reach, so this test is the start of my preparations to making them happen.”
Álvaro Bautista: “I am really excited about this test, because it feels like my first real time as a Rizla Suzuki rider. I have already done a couple of tests, and the team seemed really happy with the job I did, but this time it will be my bike and I will also be in the team colours so that is another important thing. I am confident of my ability on the bike and the initial feeling on the MotoGP Suzuki is quite natural for me, but I will not be trying to break any records yet - I need to learn a lot more about the GSV-R and find the limits step by step. This Sepang test will be a good place to start, I am excited to be in Suzuki’s factory team and I will do my maximum for them. ”
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