From a press release issued Team Suzuki:

RIZLA SUZUKIS VALENCIA TEST

Team Suzuki Press Office – Yukio Kagayama put his aggressive riding style on show during today’s pre-season British Superbike test session at the Valencia circuit in Spain.

Yuki, riding his new 2004 liveried Rizla Suzuki GSX-R1000 at the demanding and twisty Spanish track, completed 52 laps.

The 29-year-old Japanese rider finished just over a second off the fastest lap of the day set by his team mate John Reynolds. Yuki, who is still recovering from the horrific crash he suffered at Cadwell Park last August, was testing new Ohlins gas forks and new electronics that are designed to reduce engine braking.

“It feels great to be back on my Rizla Suzuki GSX-R1000,” said Yuki. “I am feeling good and we are starting to make progress with new parts. But as I am still healing, I am riding very safe and taking no risks. I really want to ride harder, but I am holding back as this is not a race, only a test. I am very pleased that my lap times are good without pushing hard.”

Rizla Suzuki’s JR was happy with the parts he was testing on his GSX-R1000 and he also spent time trying out new Dunlop tyres.

“It’s back to business as usual,” smiled JR. “Yesterday we learnt some lessons and today we put them into practice and took well over a second off our lap times and I am happy with that.

“I tested some Dunlop tyres for race distance and enjoyed myself on track today, helped a bit by the weather which was much better than yesterday. I am looking forward to testing again at the weekend and seeing what further progress we can make. There is still a lot of potential in the Rizla Suzuki GSX-R1000.”

Team manager Paul Denning said: “Watching Yuki on track is awesome. He looks completely at home on his Rizla Suzuki GSX-R1000. He is a pure, natural racer and his improvement in lap times today, despite holding back because he doesn’t want to risk a crash, is impressive. I can take nothing away from Yuki. His first ride on the bike has been much more positive than any of us would have expected.

“JR did a good job today and set a quick lap time on race rubber. There’s a lot more to come from John as he is still riding within himself and testing parts. We are all looking forward to see what sort of improvements both riders can make when they test here again at the weekend alongside the MotoGP teams.”

Rizla Suzuki continues to test at Valencia this weekend before returning to the UK and the official British Superbike Championship test at Donington Park on Sunday March 14th. The first BSB round is at Silverstone on March 28th.