From a press release issued by Team Suzuki:

SUZUKI CONCLUDE SUCCESSFUL TESTS

Team Suzuki Press Office – February 25th 2004
Team Suzuki MotoGP were able to conclude their test programme in Australia one day early today, after encouraging lap times had rewarded excellent progress through the full programme of planned tests.

Lap times are not being released, but according to rider Kenny Roberts Jr., who won the 500cc World Championship for Suzuki in 2000, “We were quicker than last year’s qualifying tyre times using race tyres, and we were doing it easier.”

Roberts was testing in spite of still nursing bad bruising from a high-speed tumble at Malaysian tests less than a fortnight before. “With the season coming, Suzuki need me to give them as much information as possible, so it was important to test even though I wasn’t 100 percent physically,” he said.

Former Suzuki World Superbike rider Gregorio Lavilla also joined the tests, his second time in place of team regular John Hopkins, who is recuperating from ankle fractures after a Supercross accident in California in January.

Originally, four days had been scheduled for the tests, where the team were riding an evolution version of last year’s bike, with continuing changes in all areas.

In spite of variable conditions (and, for Kenny Roberts, one unpleasant high-speed seagull strike!) the team was able to complete the programme in only three days. This gives the Suzuki factory race department extra time to process and respond to the information gathered, in preparation for the next outing, at Valencia in Spain on March 6 and 7. Hopkins is expected to be fit enough to resume his test programme at that time.

Two further tests remain, before the season begins with the South African GP on April 18.


KENNY ROBERTS Jr.:On the first day, I felt quite stiff and sore, and it seemed a little early to be back on the bike. As the test progressed, the bike got easier to ride. With the season coming, Suzuki need me to give them as much information as possible, so it was important to ride, and they were able to get a pretty good test out of me.

We had a plan to get the test done so as to make clear progress, and keep things simple. We did it strategically, and made improvements every time we went out.

We ended up quicker than last year’s times on qualifying tyres, using race tyres. It doesn’t mean we’re fast, but we’re going in a good direction, and it’s nice to have some decent lap times.

I feel the factory has more idea this year what the riders need from the bike, and I was also able to test some of the new Bridgestone tyres. I’m looking forward to the next test now.


TEAM MANAGER – GARRY TAYLOR: It was a good test. We don’t want to give out lap times, but we’re pleased with the result. We seem well on the way to sorting out the niggling problems that frustrated us last year, and Kenny is in a very positive frame of mind. You could see from his movements that he was still in some pain, but he gave everything to the test.

We were also really lucky to have the services of Gregorio Lavilla. He is very clear and precise in his feelings about the bike, and made a big contribution.

We’re still using last year’s machines, but modified and evolved in every department. The factory has obviously been very busy since our last test, and they are working very hard.

We achieved all that we needed in three days rather than four, and it was nice to have such an upbeat finish to a really positive test.