Suzuki boss praises winter testing effort

With only two bikes on the grid and one of those being ridden by an inexperienced rookie, it’s perhaps fair to say the busiest rider in winter testing has been veteran Italian Loris Capirossi.

With Suzuki desperate to recover from a wretched 2009, Capirossi has tested four different chassis, several swingarms and engine configurations to help try and steer the factory GSV-R closer to rivals Yamaha, Honda and Ducati.

Capirossi ended testing last week in Qatar on a positive note, recovering from a bout of sickness to clock the sixth best time overall.

And Rizla Suzuki team boss Paul Denning praised Capirossi efforts while also commending Alvaro Bautista’s quick transition from an Aprilia 250cc two-stroke to the heavier and more powerful GSV-R 800cc four-stroke.

Denning told MCN: “Loris has been superb in terms of his enthusiasm and his work rate and he has worked tirelessly everyday to help improve the bike.

“But what we did find out, which is a big help, is that Alvaro’s level of confidence has moved forward immeasurably and his feedback is not only accurate but it is like the words are coming out of Loris’s mouth.

“In terms of physical size, riding style and level of aggression, they are pretty similar. Now Alvaro feels the bike is his a little bit more.

“Lap time wise and consistency he is going quick now, so that is going to take some of the load off Loris.”