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| Alvaro Bautista © MCNews |
Álvaro Bautista’s graduation from 250cc to the premier MotoGP class continued this week, with the Spanish rider undertaking his second
test on the factory Suzuki GSV-R prototype.
Having experienced his first action on the 800cc machine during the Valencia test earlier in the month, Bautista traveled to Portugal
with official Suzuki test rider Nobuatsu Aoki to get some valuable track time at the Estoril circuit as the Rizla Suzuki team collected more
feedback ahead of the start of the 2010 season.
Bautista completed more than 200 laps over the three days and experienced a range of weather conditions, which included rain, overcast
skies and sun, all accompanied by cool temperatures. The Spaniard tested some new specification engine components on the GSV-R, as well as
aerodynamic parts and Akrapovic exhaust systems.
Aoki continued with the test programme started by Loris Capirossi in Valencia, further assessing new parts ahead of the winter break.
“Suzuki is very pleased to have been able to complete this test for two reasons - firstly to give Álvaro essential additional
seat-time on the GSV-R and secondly to give Nobu the chance to do some important testing on a GP track outside of Japan,” explained Suzuki
team manager Paul Denning. “Nobody in Suzuki or in the team is under any illusions regarding the amount of additional performance needed
out of the GSV-R for 2010 and whilst the test items have not been night-and-day differences, they will certainly help the overall package be
a lot stronger when we get the new bike at Sepang in February.”
Bautista, who by the end of the test was lapping consistently around the 1’38.5 mark, pleased Denning with his display.
“Álvaro has been very impressive over the three days and has completed 212 laps with absolutely no errors,” said Denning. “His
pace at the end of the test is very respectable, especially considering that there were only two bikes out there on track. With cooler
conditions and no rubber being laid down the conditions were not as good as they were at the race weekend last month. He has gelled really
well with the whole team and is taking a very calm approach.”
The team is now looking to the next scheduled test in Malaysia in February, as Denning added, “It is now a long time until Loris and
Álvaro get to test again. We really wish Loris could have been here in Estoril, but we are grateful to have had this opportunity to point
us in the right direction as Suzuki strives to become competitive in 2010.”
-MotoGP-
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