For Roberts, it was a last chance to make technical assessments for next year's new machine, without the pressure of having to qualify for a race. 

For Gibernau it was a chance to become familiar with the Suzuki - and to confirm the wisdom of his decision to switch brands to the title-winning motorcycle. 

For Suzuki engineers, especially technical director Warren Willing, it was an opportunity to try some new suspension equipment. to develop a direction for next year. 

And although the second day of tests was spoiled by bad weather, one day was enough for all to emerge satisfied. 

Roberts ran at race pace, but said afterwards: "I wasn't going for lap times. We had some things we needed to tidy up - different ideas with the bike, and I was working with those aspects. What we found is definite improvement.   "Now we take a break, and in January we test the first version of the 2001 bike. I'm confident that it will show improvement in specific areas that we have asked the factory engineers to work on," he added. 

Gibernau's first acquaintance with the RGV500 - Gamma Suzuki was highly agreeable. The Spanish rider improved on his previous best lap times set during race weekend - the best possible way to start his new Suzuki career. 

"One day on the bike convinced me that I've made the right decision to move," he said.   "It's different from what I've been riding - better in some ways, not in others. The most important thing was it felt like a much more friendly machine.  "I think we can go a long way together," he concluded. 

Technical man Willing appreciated a fresh opinion on the machine. "Sete impressed us with his sensitive feel for what the machine is doing. He confirmed a lot of the same points that Kenny has been talking about." 

Among other tidying up exercises, Willing was testing some new suspension components from Ohlins. "We've been wanting to try out some new ideas, to progress along a particular development direction. We were able to confirm that we're on a good track. All in, the tests were productive in spite of the weather limitations," he said. 

Team manager Garry Taylor added: "One reason why we wanted to give Sete the chance to ride was so that he could go into the winter with the feeling that he's made the right decision. Switching to Suzuki is a major career move, and I'm glad to say that the first ride on the bike left him with a broad grin on his face. 

"Post season, with the pressure off, was also a chance to have high-level meetings with Mr Iguchi, head of Suzuki's racing department. Things are looking very positive with the development of the new machine for next year - and we have every reason to believe that we will have the right equipment for Kenny to defend his title successfully, and for Sete to show his true colours." 

Kevin Schwantz also completed a few laps on the RGV 500.

3 pictures
Gibernau in action on the RGV, Gibernau in his new Movistar gear, Schwantz in action on the RGV.