Silverstone British Superbikes: Rizla Suzuki to make most of top speed

Rizla Suzuki Team Manager Jack Valentine has said the Rizla Suzuki squad will want to make the most of their untouchable top speed at the very fast Silverstone circuit this weekend.

The acceleration and top speed of the Rizla Suzuki GSX-R1000 has been a big talking point amongst riders, especially those who aren’t riding them.

And Valentine said it’s these sorts of advantages that should help his team round off the BSB campaign in impressive fashion.

“The season is almost at a close now and Rizla Suzuki is determined to go out with a bang,” said Valentine.

“Since Tom’s double win at Oulton Park our fortunes have changed and we have shown what we are capable of as a team.

“Silverstone suits both Tom and his Rizla Suzuki; we have the speed for the fast sections and the agility for the slow tight turns.

“Another double win would go a long way to regaining and consolidating second place in the Championship chase.”

Valentine also went on to say he’s got high expectations of his Japanese BSB-rookie this weekend.

Arguably the 2.21-mile circuit is the closest the country has to the Japanese tracks Watanabe made his name at.

Flat, wide and open, Silverstone is very much what Watanabe has been used to in the past.

“Atsu is looking forward to Silverstone and I believe it is a circuit which will suit him,” Valentine added. 

“He needs to make the step up to the next level which is battling for fifth to eight place.

“BSB has a huge depth of field with a lot of capable and aggressive riders.

“Atsu needs to play them at their own game in order to progress. I think he will pull something out of the bag this weekend for sure.”