Capirossi and Bautista call on Suzuki factory before Sepang test

On their way to the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia for the second test of 2010 this week, Rizla Suzuki riders Loris Capirossi and Álvaro Bautista – along with Team Manager Paul Denning – stopped off in Japan where they were given a tour of Suzuki’s headquarters.

Suzuki’s Directors Mr. Toshihiro Suzuki and Mr. Masanori Atsumi and Managing Officer Mr. Sadayuki Inobe showed the trio around the ‘Suzuki Plaza’ museum, and Capirossi and Bautista also visited Suzuki’s race department where they met engineers and discussed the development of the 2010 GSV-R they will ride in this year’s World Championship.

“It was a great experience to visit Suzuki’s Head Office and Motorcycle Technical Engineering Centre,” said Capirossi. “I have been to the factory before but I never visited the Suzuki Museum, and it was amazing to see Suzuki’s technologies going right back to the start of the last century, and the first motorcycle from 1952.”

He continued: “Our meetings in the Racing Department were also very important, and it really makes us understand Suzuki’s effort when we see so many engineers focusing on making the best possible bike for only two riders – Álvaro and me. I would also like to thank Toshihiro-san, Atsumi-san and Inobe-san for taking time to see us and giving us their support for the 2010 season. I am going to Sepang full of motivation, and I know that Suzuki is 100% behind me.”

MotoGP rookie rider Bautista said: “The engineering facility is amazing, it really opened my eyes to what goes on to support us and after visiting the museum I know a lot more about Suzuki’s history. It is incredible to see such a huge company still feeling like a family business and everyone is so friendly and welcoming.”

“I did my best to tell the engineers my exact feedback from the bike, but first I need to push my own level to the maximum and get to the limit of the bike – then it’s my right to complain and request better performance, but not yet! I feel the same as Loris – very motivated and very sure that Suzuki will do its maximum to support us.”

Bautista and Capirossi will now continue their work on the GSV-R at the test in Malaysia, which runs from Wednesday to Friday, with the first day for test riders only. Suzuki will be testing their new engine at Sepang as well as building on the promising work completed at the first test three weeks ago.