New livery and new power on the cards for Suzuki

Rizla Suzuki will unveil their 2009 livery at this week’s MotoGP Official Test in Jerez, but it is the novelties beneath the paintwork that provide the main interest for riders Chris Vermeulen and Loris Capirossi. The two are looking for an improvement in engine power along the straight on the Spanish circuit, and have been assured of some extra acceleration for the final test of the preseason.

"The Jerez test can't come soon enough for me. After the first two tests, where we have made some good advances, it will be interesting to see what improvements the factory has made after all the data we supplied from Sepang and Qatar - I am sure the technicians are doing all they can to find what we are looking for," says Vermeulen ahead of the test, and the Australian is also interested in what can be learnt from Sunday’s BMW M Award session.

"It will be the first time we've had a timed session - similar to a new qualifying session - with the single rule tyres. This will give us a good chance to gauge what we could possibly expect from qualifying in the coming season. This is our last test before the season starts so it will be very important for the whole team to get in as much work as possible and end the break from racing on a high."

The confidence in the GSV-R extends to Vermeulen’s teammate, with Capirossi raring to go less than a month away from his 20th Grand Prix season – and his second with the Suzuki squad.

"We have had a good start to the year, but we must continue to improve. I am very fit at the moment and have been training everyday to get ready for the new season," explains the World Championship veteran.

"I believe that Suzuki will give us a bike that we can win on and I can't wait to see the latest version that we get at Jerez. I am really looking forward to the new season and I feel as prepared and fresh as I ever have done, so I just can't wait to get racing!"

Rizla Suzuki will join the remainder of the MotoGP premier class teams in two days of testing, beginning this coming Saturday, at the Circuito de Jerez.