2006 Australian Superbike Championship (YMF Loan) - Round Four - Queensland Raceway

Suzuki Preview

Rizla Suzuki MotoGP racers John Hopkins and Chris Vermeulen are raring to get back into action at this weekend’s Grand Prix at Brno in the Czech Republic.

Hopkins and Vermeulen both come to Brno on the back of positive recent performances. Hopkins, after six successive top 10 finishes, has taken his points tally for the season to a bigger total than he has ever scored in a whole year’s MotoGP campaign. Vermeulen is still fresh from his stunning pole at Laguna Seca in America and his best MotoGP finish of fifth at the same race – a result that could have been even better but for a small technical problem.

The 5.4km Masaryk Circuit is one of the high points of the MotoGP calendar being a real favourite with riders and spectators alike. The wide nature of the track means there are always plenty of overtaking manoeuvres and the high grassy slopes gives fans great views of all the action. With corner speed and a good front end set-up vital to success here, both riders will be hoping that the Suzuki GSV-R and the Bridgestone tyres can deliver the right package on race day.

Rizla Suzuki MotoGP takes to the track on Friday 18th August for two practice sessions. This is followed on Saturday by another practice session and the exciting hour-long qualifying. The 22-lap race will get underway at 14.00hrs local time (12.00GMT).

Paul Denning – Team Manager:
“The whole team is looking forward to the Brno race and we are all refreshed from the summer break. John and Chris have both been training hard and are eager to get back in the thick of the action - they are both looking to continue from where they left off before the break. Suzuki has had a far more successful season than we have had in recent years but it is refreshing that the factory is pushing for much more – we have a multitude of new engine and chassis components to use in Brno, some for the race and some for the test afterwards.

“We are still chasing for podium places and some of the upcoming tracks should suit the Rizla Suzuki - so we will be looking to take advantage of those - starting with Brno this weekend. It isn’t an out-and-out power circuit, although the riders need good torque to accelerate up the steep elevation changes, and the track certainly favours a well balanced bike.

“We are all very motivated to deliver on the potential shown so far this year and we’re hoping for a great Grand Prix.”