Rizla Suzuki aim for improvements at round eleven

It is time to deliver for Rizla Suzuki pair Chris Vermeulen and Loris Capirossi at the Cardion AB Czech Republic Grand Prix - if they wish to improve on their current respective ninth and tenth positions in the general standings - as MotoGP’s second phase of the season commences.

The pair had an entertaining battle against each other last year at Brno, with Capirossi eventually coming out on top and going on to take his first podium in Suzuki colours.

A repeat of that result would be an ideal boost for the Italian veteran who is having an inconsistent season on the GSV-R. “I just can't wait to get back on the bike again; we have a lot of unfinished business and need to show that the results we've been getting are not a true reflection on how hard the team has been working recently,” Capirossi declared ahead of the Czech action.

He continued, “I got a third at Brno last year which was the last time I was on the podium and that is just too long, so I need to do something about it. We really want consistently good weather all weekend so we can get the set-up right and if that happens I think we have a chance of a really good result.”

Vermeulen, who has twice registered top six Brno finishes, gave his perspective on the return to racing after the summer break, stating, “We've had a bit of time for some rest and relaxation since the last race and that has given all my injuries a chance to heal, so I'll be 100% fit in the Czech Republic.”

“We have had an opportunity to look at the data from the last couple of events and see where we can make some changes for Brno. I have been speaking with Tom (O’Kane, Crew Chief) about the bike, we have a few ideas and we are both quite positive we can improve it straight away. I've done pretty well at Brno in the past couple of years and I'm sure that this is a track where we can make the best of the GSV-R.”