Team Suzuki Press Office – June 19. This week sees the return of an eni FIM Superbike World Championship favourite as Voltcom Crescent Suzuki prepares for round seven – Riviera di Rimini – at the Misano World Circuit “Marco Simoncelli” in Italy.
Eugene Laverty has fond memories of the Adriatic track having been on the podium there twice in his World Supersport days, taking the win in 2010. Despite never mounting the rostrum on a Superbike, the Irishman is hoping his recent Sepang podium, and progress made with his Yoshimura-powered GSX-R, will be the key to fulfilling the promise he is assured his team is worthy of.
Having ridden in European Superstock 600 and 1000 Championship races during 2008 and 2009, Alex Lowes has some previous knowledge of the popular Italian circuit. The Lincolnshire racer is hoping the experience will allow him to get up to speed quickly with the Suzuki GSX-R1000 this weekend and continue his learning curve within the Championship’s top flight.
Originally built in 1969 and located just outside the resort of Misano Adriatico, the circuit has undertaken full renovations in the last 10 years. With a lengthened 4,226m track and modernised facilities throughout – including a new medical centre, revised pit lane, increased seating capacity for over 26,000, and Cisco provided technology – its world-class layout is a favourite amongst riders and spectators alike.
With its return to the 2014 European timetable, Voltcom Crescent Suzuki will be on track for two free practice sessions on Friday 20th June at 11:45hrs local time (10:45BST) and 15:30hrs (14:30BST) respectively. Superpole qualifying is scheduled to start at 15:00hrs (14:00BST) on Saturday, with Sunday’s races at 10:30hrs (09:30BST) and 13:10hrs (12:10BST).
Eugene Laverty:
“Our podium finish at Sepang gave us a much-needed boost after such a tough run of late. We’re really beginning to understand what I need from this bike and so I feel that we can be strong over the next few rounds. My aim is to finish on the podium again in Misano and keep working our way back towards the top step. I’m targeting a race win before the summer break to bring Voltcom Crescent Suzuki back where we belong.”
Alex Lowes:
“I am really looking forward to getting back out on my Suzuki GSX-R; we had a lot of potential that we didn’t have the chance to fully realise last time out. These next three races before the summer break are really important to me and I am going to be giving everything I can to get back on that podium!”
