Vermeulen continues impressive learning curve at Jerez
Rizla Suzuki MotoGP racer Chris Vermeulen continued his consistent
pre-season improvement today as he set his fastest time of
the weekend, during the last day of testing at Jerez in Spain.
 Vermeulen
clocked a best time of 1’40.750 using a Bridgestone
qualifying tyre and recorded the ninth quickest time overall.
The young Australian rider was at Jerez for the first time
in his career and continued to impress over the three day
test. He completed 77 laps today and worked tirelessly with
his technicians to improve chassis settings and rear grip
on his Rizla Suzuki GSV-R.
John Hopkins tested a completely new experimental chassis
on his bike today. The Anglo-American was so determined to
concentrate on getting the best results from the GSV-R in
race spec, that he gave up the chance of using qualifying
tyres to make sure that the team and factory technicians will
have as much data as possible to evaluate before the start
of the season. His best time of 1’41.305 was set on
Bridgestone race tyres and gave him 13th place overall from
his 71 laps – although his time was still one and a
half seconds quicker than his fastest race lap from last year.
Today’s quickest time was set by Loris Capirossi on
a Ducati, also on Bridgestone tyres.
Rizla Suzuki MotoGP will now re-visit and analyse all the
results from the pre-season tests to make sure that everything
will be the best it can be when the 2006 MotoGP World Championship
kicks off at Jerez on Sunday 26th March.
Chris Vermeulen:
“I’ve enjoyed this test, even though I felt I
hit a bit of a brick wall today. I managed to get consistently
in the high one minute 41 seconds bracket on race tyres but
I just couldn’t find that extra bit to bring my times
down further – although my team did keep reminding me
that this is my first visit to the track and should be pleased
with what I have achieved. I am happy with the way the bike
and I have improved over the three days and I am sure I can
make further advances when we return here for the race. I
now can’t wait for my first Grand Prix as a Rizla Suzuki
MotoGP rider.”
John Hopkins:
“It’s been a hard three days work here at Jerez.
The Rizla Suzuki was not as well suited to the circuit as
it had been to Sepang, Qatar and Catalunya. I feel a bit battered
and bruised from fighting the bike around the track for over
200 laps but it was worth it because we now have a definite
direction to follow when we come here in two weeks for the
race. I am really positive about the steps that we have taken
as a whole team and I know there is a lot of potential in
the new bike and I am now really eager to get back here for
the race.”
Paul Denning - Team Manager:
“Both riders and the whole team have worked really
hard – not only at this test but over the last few weeks.
We are now looking to re-group over the next week or so in
time for the first Grand Prix at Jerez and make sure that
we are in the best condition for the race. Chris has continued
his fantastic growth and he is starting to show his true potential
that I am sure will se him pushing John and other established
riders right from the start of the season.
“John has again given a faultless performance at this
test and sacrificed a fast lap time on a qualifying tyre to
make sure he got every bit of testing possible from today.
This is the sort of commitment and dedication that I am sure
will take him forward this season.”
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