Suzuki GB Motorcycles/ATVs News

LAVERTY FOURTH AT OULTON BSB

Mon, 12 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Team Suzuki Press Office - May 12.

Michael Laverty continued his impressive Superbike form on the Relentless Suzuki GSX-R1000 at Brands Hatch at the weekend with a fourth-placed finish in race two.

In race one, after a superb start, he forced his way through to third before crashing out at Druids when hot on the heels of Tom Sykes in second place.

Ian Lowry had a tough weekend but battled bravely in today's Supersport race with a shoulder injury. Unfortunately he just lost out on a points-scoring finish after being forced to start his race from pit lane due to a front brake problem on the warm-up lap.

Michael Laverty:

"I made a great start in the opening race but I suppose I just pushed too hard and lost the front while shadowing Tom Sykes. In race two I proved I could run at the front with the likes of Shakey and Rutter, but again we suffered with the tyre spinning on the rim. Fourth place is a positive result for the team and the bike is working really well but I am a bit frustrated. As a team, we are probably surprising a few people but the Relentless Suzuki is proving to be a good package, and if we can iron out that small tyre problem I know I'm capable of getting on the podium. I have no doubt we will get more competitive as the season progresses."

Ian Lowry:

"That was not a good day at all. I had a problem with my brake adjuster on the out lap that left me with virtually no front brake, so I had to start the race from pit lane on my number two bike. I just couldn't get onto that middle group for some points and with my shoulder injury and riding my number two bike, I lost a bit of confidence. It's really a weekend to forget, but hopefully the bad luck will be shared about, and we can start again from the next round at Donington Park in two weeks time.

Philip Neill - Team Principal:

"It has been an indifferent weekend for the team, but again we can take a lot of positives from our races on the GSX-R1000 Relentless Suzuki. Progression is what we are looking for and we shouldn't forget it's our 'learning year' in BSB. Our target has been set for top-10 results, but again Michael has delivered a great performance in fourth place in race two. His lap times in both races were worthy of a top five placing, but I'm not going to criticise him for crashing in race one as he was giving 100%. He has beaten some top riders out there today and he's continuing to set his fastest ever lap times on the Relentless Suzuki Superbike - long may that continue.

"On the Supersport side it is clear that Ian had a few problems this weekend and his high-side in practice, where he suffered a shoulder injury, certainly hampered his progress in the race. He was also unfortunate to have a brake adjuster problem, which forced him to start the race from pit lane on his number two machine. From there the odds were stacked against him, but I'm sure it will only be a matter of time before he regains the form that made him a championship contender in 2007."

DEBUT WSB WIN FOR NEUKIRCHNER

Sun, 11 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Team Suzuki Press Office - May 11.

Team Alstare Suzuki rider Max Neukirchner took a thrilling maiden victory at Monza and also went into the record books for being the first German to win a World Superbike Championship race today at the fifth round in Italy.

Ever since Valencia, when he was cruelly robbed of victory on the last lap, Neukirchner has been ready to win and today he showed that he is a force to be reckoned with this year: He was a race-long contender for a win in the second race, but was beaten to the line in a photo-finish with Noriyuki Haga (Yamaha). At the end, he was deprived of a double victory by just nine-thousandths-of-a-second!

Haga took second place in race one with Troy Bayliss (Ducati) third and Suzuki Alstare riders Yukio Kagayama and Fonsi Nieto fourth and seventh respectively. Behind Haga and Neukirchner in race two was Ryuichi Kiyonari (Honda) and Nieto.

Kagayama suffered a dramatic crash in the Ascari chicane after just four laps, hurting his ribs and right knee in the process.

Max Neukirchner - Race 1: 1, Race 2: 2nd:

"I am so happy to win my first ever World Superbike race and proud and happy to be the first German rider to do so. It's a great feeling and I'm sure that there'll be much more interest in Germany now. Although I was a bit nervous before the race, I was not nervous in it or at the end. It was easy to be in front in race one and my bike felt very fast on the straights and good in the corners. I knew exactly where Haga was and knew what I had to do to beat him. I used the same bike and set up for race two, but Haga was a bit quicker in the corners. I was behind him when I suddenly saw a big cloud of smoke coming from his bike. I thought his engine had blown up and waited for him to slow down or pull over, but he kept on going! After half a lap or so, there was no more smoke. I attacked him hard in the last couple of laps, but he just about managed to out drag me to the line and take the win."

Yukio Kagayama - Race 1: 4th, Race 2: DNF:

"I am very sore after my race two crash! I don't know why I crashed because it happened so quickly and I had no chance of saving it. Maybe there was some dirt and gravel on the side of the track and I hit it and that caused the bike to change direction so violently. It was a big shame because I was thinking of maybe a podium and to end up in the Clinica Mobile was not my idea of how to finish the race. I had some brake problems in race one and that me go straight on in the chicanes sometimes, but I did not want to give up, so I kept pushing as hard as I dared. I hope my injuries are not serious, but I know I'm going to be very sore tomorrow morning."

Fonsi Nieto - Race 1: 7th, Race 2: 4th:

"I am not at all happy in race one because I was hit by Checa and the impact broke my seat. Because of that, I lost a little top speed and once I had lost touch with the leaders it was not possible to catch up again. Race two was quite good. I felt very comfortable on the bike and, as the race wore on, I was able to be more confident in one corner that had been causing me a little problem. I was behind Haga, when smoke suddenly appeared from the rear end of his bike. I thought that his engine had gone, so I slowed down because I was worried that oil was coming out. It even smelled a bit like oil, but half a lap later the smoke disappeared. By then I was too far away to challenge for a top spot and so I decided to keep my place and take fourth."

SYKES TAKES BRANDS PODIUM

Sun, 11 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Team Suzuki Press Office - May 11.

Tom Sykes scored a well-deserved podium second place today for Rizla Suzuki during the Brands Hatch GP round of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship.

In the opening race, starting from fourth place on the front row of the grid at the 2.3-mile long Kent circuit, he battled with Ducati's Shane Byrne, eventually finishing a close runner-up. He was in second position again in race two with only a handful of laps to go, when he crashed out unscathed due to a mechanical issue. The race was won by Cal Crutchlow.

Rizla Suzuki's Atsushi Watanabe took a determined 12th place finish in race one at the Kent track, as the two times Japanese Champion continues to find his feet in the highly-competitive British Superbike Championship. His second race ended early when he was forced to retire.

The fourth round of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship will take place at Donington Park on Monday, May 26th.

Tom Sykes:

"The podium in race one has been a long time coming. My Rizla Suzuki technicians worked really hard and I'm pleased I was able to repay them with some champagne. As for race two, it was just unfortunate as I had the pace to win but crashed out due to a mechanical failure. I don't want to dwell on the incident as we have had a lot of positives this weekend. I just want to get on my Rizla Suzuki at Donington Park and finish both races on the podium. I know we are capable of that."

Atsushi Watanabe:

"It has been a difficult weekend. I want a better result than 12th place but I am improving all the time and my team is working well. Our next race is at Donington Park which I visited with John Reynolds so I know where the track goes - now all I need to do is be fast."

Jack Valentine - Team Manager Rizla Suzuki:

"I'm thrilled with the podium finish which Tom secured in race one. That is where we want to be, where we feel we should be and in Tom's case, what he deserves. He rode a very mature race and I know there is more to come from him. As for race two, Tom crashed out at high speed due to a mechanical problem. Thankfully he walked away unhurt - he'll be back stronger than ever and fighting for podiums.

"Atsu also had a tough weekend but overall he put in a good effort at a challenging circuit. He has already visited Donington Park on a track day and it is more like the circuits he is used to in Japan, so we are hoping for a top 10 result."

Xavier in good position

Fri, 09 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Autodromo Nazionale [National Autodrome] at Monza is one of the oldest circuits in Europe. Nestled in the greenery of the Parco Reale [Royal Park], it is also the quickest. The long flat-out straights linked by high-speed corners allow exceptional speeds to be reached. With a few chicanes requiring intense braking, it is not a track for the faint-hearted.

The third round of the FIM Superstock 1000 Cup continues in this woodland area. Xavier Simeon, the Belgian hope in the Suzuki Alstare team, has confidence in his GSX-R1000 which he knows is very quick. He also knows he is facing a pack of Italian riders bent on putting on a brilliant display in front of their home crowd. But that has only strengthened the resolve of Francis Batta’s protégé. Xavier is a fighter and difficult challenges only spur him on.

Xavier has approached this challenge by occupying second place in the provisional placings for the Cup. He lies only 2 points behind the leader, Maxime Berger. But he is also being chased by Pirro who is 2 points behind him, with Giugliano 4 points behind, Polita 6 points and Roberts 7 points behind. It has all the makings of a close fight.

Xavier knows it won’t be easy: “It will be hard. Last weekend the Italians were racing in their own championship. That was very quick. So this one will be very difficult. We’ll do our best. A podium finish is the secondary aim, but the primary one is to win.”

The schedule keeps to tradition, as follows:

Friday 9

0900 to 0925 free practice
1530 to 1615 qualifying trials

Saturday 10

0915 to 0945 free practice
1650 to 1715 qualifying trials

Sundary 11

0900 to 0910 warm-up
1040 Race 11 laps

For more information on te GSX-R1000, click here.

McWILLIAMS TO REPLACE SUZUKI’S BRIDEWELL AT MONZA

Fri, 09 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Jeremy McWilliams will ride as a wildcard in this weekend’s second round GSX-R European Cup championship event at Monza in Italy. He replaces regular Team Suzuki GB rider, Tom Bridewell, who broke his leg at the opening Italian Superbike championship round at Mugello three weeks ago.

McWilliams’s last competitive outing was on the Ilmor at the opening MotoGP round in Qatar last year, although he did not race due to injury. He has been undertaking testing and development duties in recent months, as well as providing tuition with the Racedays Superbike Academy. He has never raced at the historic Monza circuit.

The famous 5.793km track – the oldest purpose-built facility in Europe – is nestled in a former royal park just 20km north of Milan and is renowned for its high-speed slipstream battles.

McWilliams has spent some time in recent months mentoring his fellow Ulsterman, Grant Molloy, who is partnering Bridewell in Team Suzuki GB this season. The 21-year-old picked up three championship points in the opening round at Valencia last month.

“I’m having a ride to try an impart some circuit knowledge to Grant and the two Racedays Superstock 600 riders, Danny Brill and David Paton,” said McWilliams as he prepared for this weekend’s racing. “Monza is a truly historic track but I’ve never raced here. I might have to get Fabrizio Priovano to show me round!”

McWilliams and Molloy will be joined in Team Suzuki GB by another wildcard rider at Monza – Australian Brendan Clarke who has the distinction of being the youngest ever points scorer in 500cc/MotoGP.

This weekend’s GSX-R Cup action kicks off with 45-minutes of qualifying practice at 17.10 local time today, followed by a further 40 minutes on Saturday at 18.20. Sunday’s eight-lap (46.344km) encounter is scheduled to start at 14.20, immediately after the World Supersport championship race.

SUPERSPORT PODIUM FOR LOWRY AT OULTON

Tue, 06 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Ian Lowry jumped onto his first Supersport podium of the season at the Oulton Park British Superbike round with third place while team-mate Michael Laverty continued to score solidly in the Superbike class with seventh and fourth places.

Laverty now sits sixth in the British Superbike championship table, also holding the position of leading Suzuki, while Lowry is fifth place in the Supersport class after his opening podium of 2008.

Michael Laverty:

"It was frustrating to be so close this weekend and I know if we can sort the small issue we have been having with tyres, then I'll be right there with them. The Relentless Suzuki GSX-R1000 is as good as any bike out there, and with the updates we've made to the chassis and the electronics in the past couple of weeks, I'm confident that podiums will come.

"Oulton is not one of my favourite circuits but in the first race the mistake was all mine. I just ran onto the grass, over the gravel, then bounced my wheels off the barriers the same way Plater does at Macau! Seriously though, it was more luck that judgement but I fought my way back from 26th to seventh place and I was doing the same lap times as Haslam in second place. In the second race we had that small tyre problem, but our time will come, sooner or later."

Ian Lowry:

"I'm happy to be back on the podium and I can take positives from that. I got caught up a little behind Chris Martin, which let Kennaugh and Richards away at the front. I pushed hard for a few laps and gapped Martin but it was too late to close in on the boys at the front. I just settled for a no heroics finish and took my podium. It's points in the bag and I'm now looking forward to Brands Hatch next weekend."

Philip Neill - Team Principal:

"That was a very tough weekend with the up and down conditions, but to bring both riders home with not a scratch on the bikes is just what we needed. Michael has continued to meet all our expectations and could easily have scored his first podium this weekend. He is gearing up for a solid championship position and his podium will come. He has been consistent in all conditions and is ticking all the boxes for us at Relentless Suzuki.

"The Relentless Suzuki GSX-R1000 Superbike is running almost perfectly thanks to our team. Big thanks must also go to the outside assistance we receive from K-Tech and Motec Europe who have improved the suspension and electronics on our bike. We are now the top Suzuki in the championship and that is very satisfying.

"Ian will possibly be a little disappointed with his performance after such a dominant qualifying on the K8 GSX-R600 Suzuki, but it was a solid result. He possibly showed too much respect for the conditions getting caught behind Chris Martin. What he did show at the end of the race was maturity, settling for a safe third when he knew that Richards and Kennaugh were gone at the front. Its points on the board and that's vital.

"In closing, and on behalf of everyone at Relentless Suzuki, I'd like to pass on my heartfelt sympathy to Martin Finnegan's family circle and friends. Martin will be a big loss to international road racing, both in the paddock and on the track."

Supersport Results: 1 Glen Richards (Triumph), 2 Hudson Kennaugh (Yamaha), 3 Ian Lowry (Relentless Suzuki).

ASSEN PODIUM FOR NEUKIRCHNER

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Team Suzuki Press Office - April 27.

Team Alstare Suzuki rider Max Neukirchner raced to third place in the first race at the fourth-round World Superbike Championship round in Assen, Holland today.

The young German was a contender throughout the 22-lapper and finished strongly behind series leader Troy Bayliss (Ducati) and Carlos Checa (Honda). He was also a podium contender in the second race until a small brake problem forced him to slow, but he kept charging hard and finished fifth to record his best weekend of the season.

Team mate Yukio Kagayama took fourth place in race one and then suffered a tyre problem in race two which forced him down the order to sixth, but Fonsi Nieto had a weekend to forget, with a crash and a DNF in race one and an 11th in race two.

Max Neukirchner - Race 1: 3rd, Race 2: 5th:

"Race one was a fantastic race and a fantastic result for me. I was always with the front runners and felt very comfortable with them. I had some small problems with two right turns and maybe it was because I was using the rear brake too much that the front was moving around a bit. In race two, I think I overdid the front braking and after 10 laps, had a lot of problems with grip in the fast corners. So instead of pushing too hard, I decided to ride safely and get as many points as possible."

Yukio Kagayama - Race 1: 4th, Race 2: 6th:

"Race one was better for me than race two because the bike feeling was better. I made a small mistake in the chicane and went into the gravel. I recovered OK but lost two positions and after that it was hard to catch up again. I used the same bike in race two, but the rear tyre feeling was not so good and there was quite a bit of vibration or chattering. If I tried to go any faster, the vibration got worse, so I just had to ride as hard as I could and finish the race."

Fonsi Nieto - Race 1: DNF, Race 2: 11th:

"This was a weekend to forget. I don't why I highsided and crashed in the first race because it happened without any warning. I hit my left knee pretty badly and had to have a painkilling injection so that I could start the second race. But the problem was that there was not enough strength in my legs to move the bike around and I had to use my upper body instead - and that wasn't so easy."

WSB Results:

Race 1: Bayliss (Aus-Ducati), 2 Checa (E-Honda), 3 Max Neukirchner (D-Alstare Suzuki), 4 Yukio Kagayama (J-Suzuki Alstare), 5 Corser (Aus-Yamaha), 6 Smrz (CZ-Ducati). Fonsi Nieto (E-Suzuki Alstare) DNF.

Race 2: Bayliss, 2 Haga (J-Yamaha), 3 Checa, 4 Xaus (E-Ducati), 5 Max Neukirchner (D-Alstare Suzuki), 6 Yukio Kagayama (J-Suzuki Alstare), 11 Fonsi Nieto (E-Suzuki Alstare).

Points: 1 Bayliss 178, 2 Checa 108, 3 Corser 89, 4 Fonsi Nieto 85, 5 Xaus 81, 6 Haga 67, 7 Max Neukirchner 66. 11 Yukio Kagayama 41.

SUPERSTOCK 1000:

Team Alstare Suzuki rider Xavi Simeon made it two podiums in two races with a superb third place in today's Superstock 1000 race at Assen.

The young Belgian used his head throughout the 13 lap race and took advantage of mistakes by early race leader Corti (Yamaha) and Burrell (Honda) to be in contention at the end. Frenchman Maxime Berger (Honda) won the race with Italian Michele Pirro (Yamaha) second.

Xavi Simeon - 3rd:

"I am happy and not happy. Happy to get another podium, but not happy because I got it because Corti and Burrell crashed out and I was able to take advantage. But racing is like that and sometimes the luck will go the other way, so I'll take my third today with pleasure.

"My bike suffered some grip problems after about four laps, but I just kept pushing as hard as I could. On lap five, I had a high-side, but l was able to stay on the bike. I lost two places because of that and contact with Pirro. I tried to get close again, but he was too far away, so I just made sure of my third place and 16 points. So I've had two races, two podiums and I'm second in the championship and that's good going into the next round in Monza. I think that our bike will go well there and I'm hoping to improve on third place!"

Superstock 1000 result: 1 Berger (F-Honda), 2 Pirro (I-Yamaha), 3 Xavi Simeon (B-Alstare Suzuki), 4 Polita (I-Ducati), 5 Antonelli (I-Honda), 6 Schouten (NL-Yamaha).

Points: 1 Berger 34, 2 Xavi Simeon (B-Alstare Suzuki) 32, 3 Pirro 30, 4 Giugliano 28, 5 Polita 26, 6 Roberts 25.

SPIES LEADS SUZUKI 1-2-3 DOUBLE!

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Rockstar Makita Suzuki Factory Racing dominated the Suzuki-sponsored double-header AMA Superbike weekend at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California, by sweeping the AMA Superbike podium on Saturday's and Sunday's races.

Just like in Saturday's race, defending AMA Superbike Champion Ben Spies took the win on Sunday and was followed home by Rockstar Makita Suzuki team mates Mat Mladin in second and Tommy Hayden in third.

Six-time AMA Superbike Champion Mladin actually led most of the laps in Sunday's race but Spies passed him on the last lap as the two crossed the start-finish line to get the win.

Hayden got a better start in Sunday's race and worked his way into third position to take the final spot on the podium. This is the third-consecutive AMA Superbike podium sweep for the Rockstar Makita Suzuki squad.

Ben Spies:

"This is one of the toughest races I've ever been in. I just couldn't make any headway. It's a little easier when you have someone in front of you because you can chase. But certainly the race didn't go the way I would have planned. I was about to be content with second place when I saw Mat run wide. So I put my head down and kept pushing and pushing. I almost gave up with about 15 laps to go but I knew I needed to get as many points as possible. I think for the last 10 laps or so, I was just out of control. Mat definitely made me work for it. I can't believe how fast we were going - we had nothing left at the end of the race, we were pushing the whole time. These two AMA Superbike podium sweeps speak for how good the Rockstar Makita Suzuki team is."

Mat Mladin:

"We had a completely different Rockstar Makita Suzuki GSX-R1000 today than we did yesterday and it was a good race for us. We pretty much led all of it but at the end, we just didn't have it. I made a few small mistakes and gave back a little time that proved costly at the end. I did what I could but just couldn't hang on."

Tommy Hayden:

"I got a much better start on my Rockstar Makita Suzuki GSX-R1000 today than on Saturday. And thanks to my crew for making some changes to the bike that made my race easier and helped me keep a better pace. The Rockstar Makita Suzuki crew gave me a great motorcycle for the weekend overall and an even better bike for today. Now we have some momentum on our side, and we'll keep plugging away and hopefully get a little closer to my team mates. I'm just happy to do my part in the Rockstar Makita Suzuki one-two-three sweep -- the way it should be."

AMA Superbike Top 10 Finishers:

1. Ben Spies (Rockstar Makita Suzuki)
2. Mat Mladin (Rockstar Makita Suzuki)
3. Tommy Hayden (Rockstar Makita Suzuki)
4. Neil Hodgson (Honda)
5. Jason DiSalvo (Yamaha)
6. Eric Bostrom (Yamaha)
7. Jamie Hacking (Kawasaki)
8. Scott Jensen (Suzuki)
9. Matt Lynn (Honda)
10. Dean Mizdal (Suzuki)

DONALD SEALS DEBUT PODIUM AS LAVERTY SHINES

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Relentless Suzuki by TAS Racing made a positive start to their 2008 British championship campaign yesterday (20/04/08) at Thruxton, with a debut British Superstock podium for Aussie Cameron Donald in third place; a fifth placed British Superbike debut for the Relentless Suzuki GSX–R1000 in the hands of Michael Laverty, and last but not least, a hard-fought fifth place for Ian Lowry in the Supersport class.

Normally used to running only two riders in one class within the series, it was a busy day for the Relentless Suzuki team competing in four races at Thruxton. All eyes were on the team’s BSB debut and Michael Laverty did them proud after having to deal with tyre problems in race one. Cameron Donald has continued to impress everyone since joining the team and his podium will only add to his ever increasing profile in Relentless Suzuki colours. Ian Lowry ended a tough opening weekend with a positive result and the Moira man will have more to offer in the coming rounds.

Michael Laverty [BSB]
“I’m reasonably happy with today’s results; at least we have shown potential. In the first race the tyre spun two-thirds of the way round on the rim knocking the tyre out of balance and it was hard just to hold on. In race two I had a bit of a problem on the side of the tyre through the really fast curves, but the Relentless Suzuki was up to the job and only for that I could have possibly held on to the Hondas. Top five in the first meeting of the year is positive, and it was also satisfying to be the first Suzuki home in the second race.”

Cameron Donald [Superstock]
“That was a tough little weekend but I’m absolutely pumped with the result. That must be the happiest I’ve ever been with third place! I was confident all weekend that we could go quicker and although I qualified ninth, when the boys told me that Michael won last year from 12th on the grid that gave me even more confidence. That was my first race at a fast circuit on the superstock Suzuki and I just can’t wait now to race it at the North West 200. I’m pumped for all the guys in the team and I’m just rapt with this new bike!”

Ian Lowry
“I’ve had easier weekends in British Supersport, but along with the support of the whole Relentless Suzuki team, we worked hard all weekend and salvaged what was a respectable fifth place. It’s not where I want to be but it’s points on the board and Oulton, which is up next, is one of my favourite circuits.”

Philip Neill – Team Principal
“This was a good solid start to our career in the British Superbike Championship and we have already bettered the goals we set ourselves for each round of the series. It’s just a shame that we had a small tyre problem in the opening race, which unsettled the bike for Michael or we could have had two fifth places. We always knew that Michael was a better racer than a qualifier and he’s proved that this weekend on what is essentially a home-built bike. We still have a bit to do but I’m pleased nonetheless.

Ian Lowry had a tough weekend but it was good to see him pulling something out of the bag. The result doesn’t reflect his effort or lap times in the race, but again it’s a good solid start for Ian. Hopefully he can now regain some of the confidence that had him topping the pre-season time sheets in Spain on the all-new K8 GSX–R600.

What can I say about Cameron? He has produced a phenomenal result and just continues to impress everyone. He has been hired to do a job at the international road races for Relentless Suzuki but he has proved to everyone what he can also do on the circuits. It is surprising how comfortable he is, and to come from ninth in qualifying to a podium on his debut race with the team is just superb. He’s a guy who deserves a full time ride in the UK and it’s almost a shame we haven’t scheduled to do a full season of superstock with him."

SUZUKI 1-2 AT LE MANS WORLD ENDURANCE

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Suzuki Endurance Racing Team's number two squad led a SERT GSX-R1000 one-two at the opening round of the World Endurance Championship at Le Mans in France today (20/04/08).

Riders William Costes, Guillaume Dietrich and Barry Veneman took the lead from World Champions Vincent Philippe, Matthieu Lagrive and Julien Da Costa when the number one machine crashed during the night session of the 24-hour race, to win by 11 laps

SERT 2 led for the first hour from Yamaha GMT94 and SERT 1. Yamaha took over temporarily at the second hour and then SERT 1 made a charge to the front - a lead they kept for almost half the race until a crash in the dark, thought to be due to a rabbit running onto the track.

From 16 laps down, the defending champions gradually moved back through the field, climbing into second place behind SERT 2 with five hours to go - a position they held until the flag.

Provisional results: 1 SERT 2 (Suzuki GSX-R1000) 770 laps, 2 SERT 1 (Suzuki GSX-R1000) 759, 3 Acropolis Moto Expert (Yamaha) 756, 4 Infini Team/ Yohann Moto sp (Suzuki) 755, 5 Junior Team Suzuki - LMS (Suzuki) 753.

INSURE THE NEW GSX-R750 FOR LESS THAN A RIVAL 600

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

It's fair to expect that a bike with more power or a bigger engine will cost you more to insure. But when it comes to Suzuki's all-new 2008 GSX-R750, the trend has been well and truly bucked, thanks to Suzuki's official insurance scheme with Express Insurance.

With the new model launched to critical acclaim in Spain just a few weeks ago, Express Insurance has analysed various postcode areas and age ranges across the UK. The company found that, in many cases, it was able to offer rates lower than those quoted on rival manufacturers' 600cc machines.

Commenting on the scheme, Suzuki GB's Paul de Lusignan said, "With Express Insurance we have been able to remove the only real obstacle to those contemplating a 750 over a 600. In some cases there was a saving of nearly £100, making the GSX-R750 a truly cost effective option, too."

Typical examples (fully comprehensive cover):

Age 35, living in GL51 - Yamaha R6 = £305.00 / Suzuki GSX-R750 = £215.00

Age 45, living in CM6 - Honda CBR600RR = £210.00 / Suzuki GSX-R750 = £150.00

As well as offering competitive rates on the GSX-R750, Express Insurance has also secured highly competitive rates on the new GSX-R600 model, making it considerably cheaper to insure than its rivals, too.

For a bespoke quotation call Express Insurance on 0800 980 6080 or visit www.expressinsurance.co.uk

For more information on the GSX-R750, click here.

SAT NAV FOR £99 ON THE SUZUKI V-STROM 650

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Customers who buy a new V-Strom 650 between now and the end of July will be eligible for Suzuki's latest Sat Nav offer, enabling owners to buy the Suzuki Garmin Zumo 550 system for just £99 including VAT.

A motorcycle specific system, the Garmin Zumo is recognised as one of the best systems on the market, boasting European mapping, Bluetooth technology, and touch screen accessibility all in a waterproof shell. Coming with motorcycle and car mounts, the system can be transferred from bike to car with ease and features bespoke Suzuki software detailing all authorised Suzuki dealers.

Talking about the Zumo offer, Suzuki GB's Nick Palmer commented, "Clearly the V-strom is a bike for those who like to travel, so to be able to add such a comprehensive and proven system for just £99 is a great addition to an already very versatile and all-round bike. On top of this the customer will save a hefty £320 over the recommended retail price".

For more information contact your local authorised Suzuki dealer or visit www.suzuki.co.uk
Offer ends July 31st 2008 and is applicable at the point of purchase only.

NEW GSX-R750 RACING IN VALENCIA

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Suzuki's all-new GSX-R750K8 will receive its first race outing this weekend at Valencia in Spain as the 2008 GSX-R European Cup gets underway.

Team Suzuki GB has arrived in Valencia with an all-new line up featuring Tom Bridewell and Grant Molloy as the team's two permanent riders. They are joined by Peter Hickman who will ride as a wildcard entry in Spain.

Bridewell, 19, contested four rounds of the 2006 GSX-R European Cup championship, with a best result of second at Silverstone. Molloy, meanwhile, is a relative newcomer - the 20-year-old having only started his racing career in 2006.

Hickman, although not 21 until next Tuesday, is a seasoned campaigner, having competed in the British Superbike championship last season. He was planning to race European Superstock in 2008 but the collapse of his team recently has left him without a ride.

"I haven't ridden at Valencia since 2000," said Bridewell on arriving at the Spanish circuit, "and that was on a 125. The new GSX-R750 looks absolutely perfect and I can't wait to get back on the track tomorrow."

Qualifying begins at 17.10 on Friday, with a further session at 18.20 on Saturday evening. The 11-lap, 44km race is scheduled to start between Sunday's World Supersport and second World Superbike races.

For more information on the GSX-R750, click here.

MOTODEN SUZUKI BACK THE SCOOT ‘N’ SHOOT FILM CHALLENGE

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Authorised Suzuki dealers Motoden are backing this year's East End Film Festival, taking place in London from the 5th of April.

Backing the Scoot ‘n’ Shoot Film Challenge as part of this year's festival, Motoden Suzuki will be providing the scooters as the main means of transport, taking twelve teams around London, all hoping to scoop the top prize of a brand-new scooter.

Talking about the association, Motoden’s Emilio Costa said, “We are delighted to be able to back the Scoot ‘n’ Shoot contest with Suzuki GB. With up to 60 filmmakers being offered the opportunity to take part in the challenge it has the potential to be an extremely popular element of this year's festival.”

The 24-hour competition will see the contestants moving around London taking up the challenge that integrates many social and cultural elements in order fulfill the filming requirements, before culminating on the 21st April with the gala awards presentation.

Press are invited to join in on the Scoot ‘n’ Shoot challenge by contacting the Suzuki GB Press Office on 01296 680086.

Motoden Suzuki can be found at 507 Kingsland Road, London, E8 4AU, Tel: 0207 241 2300,

www.motoden.com

EASTER DOMINATION FOR RELENTLESS SUZUKI

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Michael Laverty had to brave sub-zero temperatures at times while racing over the Easter holidays, but the Relentless by TAS Suzuki rider recorded a hat-trick of wins on Easter Saturday, also lifting the prestigious Enkalon Trophy for his efforts.

Having watched the weather forecast closely, team boss Philip Neill made the decision to fly Laverty in from Wales instead of travelling to the official BSB test at Snetterton. It was a great call, with his British championship performers filling the card at Bishopscourt, making it nine wins in only two meeting for the official Suzuki team.

Road racing star Bruce Anstey opened the team’s account only seven days previous with a fine treble in the MCRRCI event at the same venue, ably supported by new signing Cameron Donald, who had his own piece of success, with one win and numerous podium finishes.

Unfortunately the Easter Monday races at Kirkistown were halted due to adverse weather conditions, leaving the large holiday crowd very frustrated. Donald and Laverty posted pole and P2 times in the Superbike class and Ian Lowry was the pole setter in the Supersport class. He also held a race winning advantage at the head of the field in the Supersport race when the red flags came out, with Cameron Donald in third place.

Philip Neill – Team Principal
“These races were really only for our riders to have an early season shakedown, but I’m delighted with the results and the performances from the whole team. Last weekend was a local closed to club event and Bruce excelled, but this week we had all the main Irish Superbike riders on the grid, along with a handful of the Irish, British championship runners. Michael came here with big expectations from the local fans, but he delivered the goods on the all-new K8 GSX–R1000 Relentless Suzuki superbike.

Ian Lowry also proved why he’s regarded as the top rider in the British Supersport class, and our southern hemisphere riders, Bruce Anstey and Cameron Donald, have gained major respect from the local fans this weekend. We’ve still got a bit of work to do before the season opener at the start of April, but winning is a great motivator and everyone in the Relentless Suzuki team can’t wait for the season to start.”

Michael Laverty
“I was prepared for the Snetterton test, but when I knew that snow was forecast, I was more than happy to fly home and race in the Easter meetings. The Relentless Suzuki team has a big following at home so it was nice for all four of us to be there supporting the local races. I’d never won the Enkalon Trophy before so I pleased with that and we’ve made more progress with the Superbike. It was a positive weekend for all involved with Relentless Suzuki.”

NEW GSX-R750 Launch in Granada

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

UK press got their first taste of the all-new GSX-R750 today, as Suzuki GB hosted an exclusive launch event at the Guadix race circuit near Granada in Spain.

Arriving from the UK last night, 10 members of UK press sat down to a technical presentation this morning at the launch base hotel in Granada, learning how Suzuki have improved the ‘thinking mans sports bike’.

By 10.30am the first track sessions were taking place at the Guadix circuit, with MCN’s tester Michael Neeves first out on bike number one.

Talking about the bike after his first track session, Michael said, “It’s not an easy bike to better, but first impressions of the new 2008 version are good. The motor feels strong, and I hope to explore the chassis’ ability more as the day moves on”.

In attendance at this exclusive UK press event are testers from MCN, Bike, Performance Bikes, Superbike, Fast Bikes, The Daily Telegraph, TWO Magazine, plus testers from the lifestyle magazines.

Tomorrow will see a test session on the roads near to the venue, including pictures on the highest road in Europe!

Check out the first impressions of the new bike by visiting.

www.superbike.co.uk or www.motorcyclenews.com with more to follow soon

NIETO PODIUMS AT PHILLIP ISLAND

Mon, 03 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Team Suzuki Alstare rider Fonsi Nieto took a fifth in the first race and followed that with a superb third in race two at the second-round Phillip Island World Superbike Championship to move into second place in the championship behind Troy Bayliss (Ducati).

Bayliss won both 22-lap races today at Phillip Island with Troy Corser (Yamaha) second and Michel Fabrizio (Ducati) third in race one and Carlos Checa second in race two.

Team Alstare Suzuki rider Max Neukirchner finished seventh in race one and was in line for a podium in the second race, but bike set-up problems forced him down the order to fifth at the flag.

Fonsi Nieto - Race 1: 5th, Race 2: 3rd:

“I am happy because I got a podium on a very tough day of racing and also because I am now second in the championship. In the first race, my gearing was too short and, because of the wind, I was on the limiter all the way down the straight. So, fifth was not so bad.

“In race two, I pushed as hard as I could, but Bayliss was impossible to catch, but I am happy because I ended up on the podium. My idea is to be very consistent this season and keep taking points whenever and wherever I can, because it is a very long season. I want to thank my team for all their hard work. The guys had to change both engines in the bikes and that was a lot of work for them, but I hope my podium was a good way of saying thank you.”

Max Neukirchner - Race 1: 7th, Race 2: 5th:

“My general feeling is that I am a little happy because I managed two good finishes and had no crashes! We made the rear a bit stiffer for race two, but I felt that it wasn't much improvement from the first race. I thought a podium would be possible but I got held up by a group of riders and couldn't get past. But I think my main problem in the second race was that I lost a lot of time in the very first lap.

“At the moment, I am not entirely happy with how the chassis of the bike is working and I feel sure that we can improve it. I am having trouble getting on the gas exiting the turns and that is costing me a lot of time - especially at a circuit like Phillip Island. That could be a chassis problem, set-up problem or tyre problem, or it could be a combination of those things. We'll work at finding the solution, but hopefully we will do this at the Valencia tests.”

WSB Results:

Race 1: 1 Bayliss (Aus-Ducati), 2 Troy Corser (Aus-Yamaha ), 3 Fabrizio (I-Ducati), 4 Xaus (E-Ducati), 5 Fonsi Nieto (E-Suzuki Alstare), 6 C.Checa (E-Honda), 7 Max Neukirchner (D-Alstare Suzuki).

Race 2: 1 Bayliss, 2 C.Checa, 3 Fonsi Nieto (E-Suzuki Alstare), 4 Xaus, 5 Neukirchner (D-Suzuki Alstare), 6 Kiyonari (J-Honda).

Points: 1 Bayliss 88, 2 Fonsi Nieto (E-Suzuki Alstare) 61, 3 Xaus 59, 4 Troy Corser 45, 5 Checa 45, 6 Max Neukirchner (D-Alstare Suzuki) 39.

LOWRY & LAVERTY SHINE IN SPAIN

Fri, 29 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Relentless Suzuki by TAS Racing has just completed a successful three-day test in Spain at the Almeria Circuit, with both riders, Michael Laverty and Ian Lowry, more than satisfied after the opening shakedown of the year.

Relentless Suzuki by TAS is one of the first teams in the world to have tested the all-new K8 GSX–R600 Suzuki on track, and their 2008 British Supersport rider Ian Lowry found the new machine very much to his liking. The team had arrived in Spain expecting to make a number of changes during the test, but together with the new Showa Suspension package for 2008, Ian Lowry came away from Almeria with the fastest supersport time, a 1:40.0 which was knocking on the door of the times set by a number of World Supersport riders earlier in February at the same circuit.

Current British Supersport Champion Michael Laverty spent the first couple of days reacquainting himself with a superbike after a season in the 600cc class, just putting in as many laps as possible. The team made a multitude of changes, both with suspension and electronics to help Michael learn more about the bike, then on day three he set a time of 1:37.8 – the fifth fastest Superbike time at the test, and just behind fellow Suzuki rider Tom Sykes.

Michael Laverty
“It was good to get back on the Suzuki superbike and I must say I was pretty impressed with the BSB Pirelli control tyre. I was just dialling myself in on days one and two then on the third day we had a bit of go and wound it up. Both the bike and myself are probably only at 95% so to be in the ballpark straight away is encouraging. I can’t wait for the season to start and also to give a good show at Bishopscourt on the 15th March.

The team now move onto the Guadix circuit in Spain before returning home to race at Bishopscourt in Northern Ireland on March 15.

For more information on the GSX-R600, click here.

For more information on the GSX-R1000, click here.

FOG DELAYS PLAY AT GSX-R600 LAUNCH

Tue, 26 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Adriatic coast is not a place you would normally associate with grey skies and fog, but for the press attending the International launch of the new GSX-R600 that’s exactly what they were met with today as they got ready to put the new bike through its paces at the Misano racetrack near Riccione in Italy.

With dense fog covering the circuit, this morning’s first riding sessions were delayed until after lunch, and by 13.00 the conditions had not improved greatly.

However, with three sessions completed this afternoon, the early press reaction has been positive. T.W.O Magazine tester and ex-British superbike champion Niall MacKenzie was impressed by the new bikes ease of use and improved feel from the revised engine, commenting, “The new motor spins up very easy and feels very linear. I’m impressed with the brakes and the overall balance of the bike”.

With further testing scheduled for tomorrow, the UK press will be praying for a change in weather conditions for the final days ride.

Check out www.visordown.com and www.superbike.co.uk for information from the launch.

For more information on the GSX-R600, click here.

NIETO WINS AT QATAR

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Team Suzuki Alstare rider Fonsi Nieto took his maiden World Superbike Championship victory in the second 18-lap race at the Qatar season opener today.

Despite having to start from the third row of the grid, Nieto stormed through the field to take the lead just four laps from the end. Ruben Xaus and Max Biaggi attacked him to the end but could not find any way past and the Spaniard was able to take the chequered flag by three-tenths-of-a-second.

For Nieto and his team mates Yukio Kagayama and Max Neukirchner, today was a bit of a mixed day. Neukirchner led the majority of the first race, before finishing fifth. Nieto finished seventh with Kagayama one place behind in eighth. The race was won by Troy Bayliss (Ducati), with Biaggi (Ducati) second and Troy Corser (Yamaha) third.

In race two Kagayama crashed out on the opening lap when he and Carlos Checa collided. He was taken to hospital with a suspected broken collarbone and will now almost certainly miss next week's race in Phillip Island. Neukirchner finished eighth, suffering the effects of a heavy cold and grip problems.

Fonsi Nieto - Race 1: 7th, Race 2: 1st:

“This is my first WSBK win and my first race win since Donington in 1993! Yes, it's been a long, long while. I've worked very hard in this championship and today I reaped the reward of all the hard work. Today my Suzuki Alstare bike was faster than the Ducatis, but I definitely raced with my mind today. I used the same bike with the same set-up in both races, though I did have the traction control on a harder setting in the first race and the bike was not as comfortable to ride as it was in race two. There was only five degrees difference in temperature between the two races, but the bike felt different in both races!

“In the second race, I was able to conserve my bike and the tyres and finish strongly and that's why I won. I would like to thank all the people who had faith in me and have supported me these past years. And I'd like to thank Francis and Patricia Batta, the whole team and Suzuki for all their help. I know there are people out there who didn't think I could be a winner, but today I proved them wrong!”

Max Neukirchner - Race 1: 5th, Race 2: 8th:

“It was a really good feeling leading the first race for so long and I felt pretty comfortable doing it. I made a good start and led from the lights more or less and then I just kept my head down and found I was in the lead without too much of a problem. I have been suffering from some kind of a cold or something and, with about eight laps to go, I didn't feel in very good condition. At the same time, I started getting lots of slides and the two things together allowed some riders to pass me and I ended up 5th.

“In race two I changed to a softer tyre, but the grip didn't feel so good. I made a little mistake on the brakes and I lost touch with the leaders and it was not possible to catch them again. All in all, it's not a bad start to the season, but it could've been better.”

Yukio Kagayama - Race 1: 8th, Race 2: DNF:

“In race one, I firstly suffered a problem with tyre chatter after seven laps and the grip level also went down. Later in the race, I had some vibration exiting the turns so it was difficult to push very hard. I just kept going as fast as I could and tried to get the best result I could.”

Race 1:1 Bayliss (Aus-Ducati), 2 Biaggi (I-Ducati), 3 Corser (Aus-Yamaha ), 4 Xaus (E-Ducati), 5 Max Neukirchner (D-Alstare Suzuki), 6 C.Checa (E-Honda), 7 Fonsi Nieto (E-Suzuki Alstare), 8 Yukio Kagayama (J-Suzuki Alstare).

Race 2: 1 Fonsi Nieto (E-Suzuki Alstare), 2 Xaus, 3 Biaggi, 4 Bayliss, 5 Fabrizio (I-Ducati), 6 C.Checa. 8 Max Neukirchner (D-Alstare Suzuki). Yukio Kagayama (J-Suzuki Alstare) DNF

Points: 1 Bayliss 38, 2 Biaggi 36, 3 Fonsi Nieto (E-Suzuki Alstare) 34, 4 Xaus 33, 5 Troy Corser 25, 6 Max Neukirchner (D-Alstare Suzuki) 19. 12 Yukio Kagayama (J-Suzuki Alstare) 8.

For more information on the GSX-R1000, click here.

LUCKY WINNER SCOOPS GSX-R1000

Wed, 20 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Mandy Lee of Derby had good reason to be smiling last week as she collected the keys to her brand-new GSX-R1000 from Pidcock Motorcycles in Derby, after being drawn as the lucky winner from Suzuki GB’s year-long competition.

Already an owner of a 2005 model GSX-R1000, Mandy was overjoyed to be told she had scooped Suzuki’s top prize of the year after entering the competition at the Donington Park British Superbike round back in May.

Upon collecting her new GSX-R, Mandy commented, “I couldn’t believe it when I had the phone call to say I’d won. I’ve been a Suzuki rider for several years, and I’d been thinking of upgrading my 2005 model to the new one, so this really is a dream come true”.

The competition ran throughout 2007 at all Suzuki GB backed events and continues in 2008 with a new GSX-R600 up for grabs.

For more information on the GSX-R1000, click here.

For more information on the GSX-R600, click here.