Rizla Suzuki has arrived in Spain ahead of this weekend’s traditional season ending Grand Prix at the Ricardo Tormo circuit in Valencia.
Álvaro Bautista will be competing at his fourth MotoGP race in front of his home fans this season, at a circuit where he made his riding debut for Suzuki at last year’s post-season test. Bautista is determined to end the season with a very positive performance at a track that he feels will suit the Suzuki GSV-R and his riding style.
Loris Capirossi will be looking to round the season off in style, despite still battling with the injuries that have beset the Italian for the last few races. His 13th place finish at last week’s Portuguese Grand Prix was the first time he had seen the chequered flag since the Indianapolis race in September and he is in a determined mood to improve on that dramatically in the season’s finale.
The Ricardo Tormo circuit is now firmly established as the final MotoGP on the calendar and the party atmosphere, combined with the expected huge crowds and massive firework display at the end of the race, just add to the festival feeling. The Spanish track also has the unique distinction of being the only stadium circuit that the motorcycling Grand Prix circus visits, this gives all the fans in the surrounding grandstands the opportunity to view the action no matter where they are seated.
Rizla Suzuki MotoGP will take to the track on Friday morning for the first free practice session, followed by further 45-minute sessions to get the Suzuki GSV-R set up for the 4,005m circuit, on Friday afternoon and the following morning. Saturday afternoon will see Bautista and Capirossi battling for the best grid positions during qualifying, as they prepare for Sunday’s 30-lap race that is scheduled to start at 14.00hrs local time (13.00hrs GMT).
Álvaro Bautista:
“I was very surprised at last week’s result because after how well we had been performing it was a bit of a shock, but I know we can put that behind us and challenge the top-six group. I have experience of riding the GSV-R at Valencia after last season’s test, so I will have some reference points and I think the circuit will suit the bike well. It is amazing having another ‘home’ race and I will have many fans there to celebrate the end of the season, I will certainly be trying my hardest to give them, and the whole team, a good result to remember and take forward into the winter.”
Loris Capirossi:
“I hope we can go well at Valencia because it has been a very hard season for us and we need to end the year in a more positive way. The circuit is quite good for our bike and it seems to suit the dynamics of the GSV-R well. I know it will be difficult and I’m still not 100% fit, but I firmly believe I can go well in Valencia. It is the last race and after all that has happened this year it would be good to give my crew something to smile about – I will certainly be giving everything I’ve got to make that happen.”
