The arrival of September heralds the final phase of the 2014 eni FIM Superbike World Championship season as Voltcom Crescent Suzuki travels to Jerez in Spain for round 10 this week.
With the two-month break in proceedings coming to a close, and the confirmation that just three rounds are left outstanding this season, Eugene Laverty and Alex Lowes are eager to get back on-board their Yoshimura-powered GSX-R1000’s at the 4,423m Spanish circuit they initially tested their machines at in early April.
Frustrated with his fourth place finish last time out at Laguna Seca, Laverty is determined to challenge the front runners in the remaining six races while team-mate Lowes, having spent the past eight weeks recovering from his spectacular Corkscrew crash, is looking to return to form strongly.
Located in the south west province of Cadiz, within the autonomous Andalucían region of southern Spain, the Circuito de Jerez has hosted motorcycle racing since 1986. Its 13 corners provide a variety of fast and slow combinations and direction changes presenting a technical and challenging workout for both rider and machine while its overall fast and flowing layout delivers dramatic racing for the ardent spectators.
Voltcom Crescent Suzuki commences track action on Friday September 5th with two free practice sessions scheduled at 11:45hrs local time (10:45BST) and 15:30hrs (14:30BST). Saturday’s Superpole qualifying will take place at 15:00hrs (14:00BST) with Sunday’s race action at 10:30hrs (09:30BST) and 13:10hrs (12:10BST) respectively.
Eugene Laverty:
“Jerez can’t come soon enough following an incredibly long break. Jerez is a flowing circuit and I feel that it will suit the GSX-R well. I’m hoping for high temperatures to play into our hands as our bike works better in hot conditions. My Voltcom Crescent Suzuki team has continued to work hard during the summer break so I expect to find significant improvements during the final part of the season.”
Alex Lowes:
“I’m really looking forward to getting back to racing after the summer break and I’ve spent the past few weeks training and focusing on my fitness since returning from Laguna. Jerez is a track I have some knowledge of thanks to our earlier testing, so I’m aiming to get straight down to work with the Voltcom Crescent Suzuki on Friday so we can finish the season strongly.”