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Loris Capirossi and Álvaro Bautista have been testing a variety of aspects on the 2010 GSV-R prototype that they
will race for Rizla Suzuki in preseason testing. Team Manager Paul Denning has commented on these developments.
“Everybody knows that in 2010 we have to have only have six engines for the complete season,” says Denning referring
to the fresh technical regulations. “This is really difficult for everybody but maybe especially for Suzuki, because
in terms of performance we have to catch up a little bit with the others. Our performance was not quite enough on the engine
last year, so Suzuki is trying to achieve two targets; to improve the performance by increasing the smoothness and control,
but most importantly make the engine durable enough to last three Grands Prix. It’s a big task and Suzuki is really
working hard to achieve it.”
The chassis and racing positioning have gained extra attention from the manufacturer,
Denning adds: “We suffered a lot last year with inconsistent performance, especially in cold conditions. At the first
Sepang test Suzuki tested the 2009 chassis and then two options, and both riders were able to choose the same option. It’s
difficult to really understand the level of improvement at Sepang because it’s very hot, but it seems like quite a good
step. When it rained here, which gives much lower grip conditions, both riders reported immediately good feeling from the
tyres and good feedback. So we hope the modified chassis for 2010 will make our bike a lot more consistent.”
He continues, “At the first test we also tested three different lengths of fuel tank, and two different widths of
seat. By shortening the fuel tank this has helped both our riders, who are quite small, have more weight over the front of
the machine and be able to load the front tyre better in the middle of the corner.”
Brand new Brembo brake
calipers, plus a remodified Akrapovic exhaust and Marchesini wheels have given important results so far in testing, Denning
discusses the shape of the bike.
“Aerodynamically Suzuki has improved the bike for this year in terms of
drag and also downforce in the corners,” he says. “They have tried to make the bike more loaded, especially when
there is a lot of cross wind, so the fairing shape has changed a little bit with the air intake, and also the sides.”
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