Suzuki happy with engine upgrade

Suzuki believes its latest spec factory GSV-R motor is a small but significant step to help Loris Capirossi and Chris Vermeulen challenge closer to the front in MotoGP.

Capirossi raced the upgraded V4 engine to a brilliant fifth place in Catalunya last weekend and conducted a further assessment during a one-day test session at the Montmelo circuit on Monday.

And factory team boss Paul Denning told MCN the revised motor, which was tested in tandem with a 2010 prototype chassis and new Ohlins front forks, was a step in the right direction.

Denning said: “It was as good as expected. In Mugello it was obvious we got killed on the home straight and one didn’t need to be too technically minded to see that with a bit more top speed, Loris could have got second or third in that race. Suzuki has done a very good step and obviously they’d like more, but Loris has reported better top speed and when he tucked. We can’t use the slipstream to zing by but we can stay in touch.”

“If you stay rather than lose then it takes away the elastic band effect where you catch on the brakes and then lose it all on acceleration. In the Catalunya race Loris was behind Dani Pedrosa and while Dani’s Honda is a missile, he could be close enough to try and outbrake him. Before he’d only just be able to follow. The engine response is better and so is the torque. Top speed is one thing but the speed at which it gets there is important.

Loris also thinks it’s a bit better for tyre life because he can open the throttle a little bit later when the bike is being picked up and still get the same force out of the corner.”

Assessing the new chassis, Denning said: “New chassis has different geometry layout to try and achieve better turning and more rear grip and more consistent rear grip.”