Motegi MotoGP: Suzuki to test new engine in Japan

Suzuki will roll out an early prototype version of its 2009 factory GSV-R motor at the Twin Ring Motegi tomorrow (Monday).

Test and development duo Kousuke Akiyoshi and Nobuatsu Aoki will complete laps on the new V4 motor before Italian veteran Loris Capirossi gives his first impressions in a brief debut.

If the test proves to be a success then Japanese rider Aoki could actually race the new motor when he makes a wild card appearance in the Malaysian GP at Sepang next month.

And if there are no question marks over durability, Capirossi and Aussie team-mate Chris Vermeulen might get the chance to race the motor in the season’s final race in Valencia.

Factory team boss Paul Denning told MCN: “We will be using the current bike but with a new engine. It is a new spec rather than completely new, but it would form the basis of next year’s motor, which in initial testing has been very promising. The test rider’s will do the main testing, but Loris will also do a couple of hours to confirm the engine.

“I think Nobu will use the engine in Sepang in race conditions, as we need to make sure the durability testing is complete. And if Loris rides it and thinks its fantastic then there might be a strong request for us to use it before the end of the season.”

Asked about the specific performance targets with the motor, Denning added: “The target is better acceleration but mainly to full in the torque curve and give the engine more bottom and mid-range power. “