From a press release issued by Team Suzuki:

WICKS HEADS UP RIZLA SUZUKI


World Superbike Marketing Manager Robert Wicks is to take over the reigns of Rizla Suzuki’s British Superbike Team next year from Paul Denning, who has been appointed Team Manager of Suzuki Motor Corporation’s MotoGP squad.

Wicks, who has spent the past five year’s in his role, said: “I love motorcycle racing. It is in my blood and I’m very fortunate to have been part of the organisation of the World Superbike Championship and thoroughly enjoyed my time there. But now I am realising my own personal dream to be part of a top team thanks to this opportunity with Crescent and Rizla Suzuki.

“I will be taking over most of the day-to-day tasks from Paul Denning within Rizla Suzuki, letting him concentrate on his new position managing the Factory Suzuki MotoGP team. Of course, Paul will continue to have an active interest in the Rizla Suzuki BSB team and his Crescent Racing business.

“Rizla Suzuki is already one of the highest profile and most professional teams in BSB – or any Championship for that matter – and with the team staff staying largely unchanged for 2005, I will be hitting the ground running with a proven team of winners to work with. We all share the same aims to win on track; win off track by returning even more value to our partners and sponsors; defend our title in 2005; and make the whole trackside presentation even better,” added the 35 year old.

He will take the helm of Rizla Suzuki on November 1st 2004 and will be based out of the Crescent Performance Centre in Verwood, Dorset, ably supported by triple BSB Champion Niall Mackenzie, team co-ordinator Simon Green and an experienced technical crew.

Apart from the appointment of Denning to the MotoGP effort, the staff at both Rizla Suzuki and the Suzuki Factory MotoGP team will remain largely unchanged: The Suzuki Factory MotoGP team will continue to be based at Edenbridge in Kent with the BSB team based at the Crescent Performance Centre.

Said Denning: “The appointment of Robert is a massive boost to an already-strong team. He brings a wealth of experience and commercial acumen to a demanding job and I am sure he will help Rizla Suzuki re-write the rule books both on and off the track in all areas of performance. I have every confidence in Robert’s ability to deliver, especially with the support of Niall Mackenzie and an extremely strong team.

“I am naturally delighted to have been appointed to operate the Suzuki Factory MotoGP team. I will be starting to work on the MotoGP team in January 2005, but plenty is happening behind the scenes already. I only accepted the MotoGP appointment on the understanding that the Rizla Suzuki BSB team would remain a high priority for me and our commitment to win will be as strong as ever.

“I remain committed to Rizla Suzuki in BSB and will be keeping a close eye on all developments next season. The staff members are some of the best in the world and they are relishing the opportunity to get on and do an even better job.

“The MotoGP team has some of the most experienced and hardest working staff on its books and I look forward to helping them realise their full potential in 2005,” he added.