MotoGP: Suzuki unveil 2008 MotoGP contender

Suzuki has unveiled the new 2008 factory GSV-R machine Chris Vermeulen and Loris Capirossi will debut in less than a month’s time in the historic night race in Qatar.

The second generation 800cc prototype, codenamed XRG1, has undergone a major overhaul during the winter, with Suzuki looking to build on a successful 2007 campaign that gave the Japanese factory its first four-stroke premier class victory.

The new V4 has been developed with the clear target of improving acceleration, in addition to significant other improvements to aerodynamics, chassis performance and electronic systems.

With updated Mitsubishi engine management systems and lower fuel consumption than 2007, Suzuki engineers have achieved improved levels of engine performance.

Further refinements on a wide range of details have also been achieved on the XRG1 chassis, although the fundamental structural design follows last year’s version. 

Cornering performance and change of direction have been improved and a newly designed fairing has been developed for the machine to reduce wind resistance and increase handling performance.

Aussie Chris Vermeulen, who ended Suzuki’s long four-stroke victory drought in a rain-soaked French MotoGP at Le Mans last season, said: “The new bike looks great and is already a lot better to ride than last year’s GSV-R.

“It feels quicker and I am able to get on the power better out of the corners. The handling is even better than it was so that is a huge plus – because it was very good already.

“Suzuki has worked really hard on this bike and listened to what we wanted, and tried to come up with a solution for everything we gave them.

“It is not quite the finished article yet, but I am sure that when the season starts it will be pretty close to it!”

And new recruit Loris Capirossi is also delighted with the effort being put in by Suzuki engineers to bring the GSV-R closer to mounting a serious threat to Casey Stoner and Ducati.

The experienced 34-year-old said: “I have been with Suzuki a short while but for me they are very switched on and are trying their hardest to make the bike the best it can be for the new season.

“I still feel like I have a new toy. Suzuki is certainly listening to what we want.

“We asked for changes after each test and the next time we have ridden the bike they have been made, so that is all good.

“The bike also looks great with the new design; I love the colour and look forward racing on it.”

Chris Vermeulen and Loris Capirossi are back on track this weekend with the three-day IRTA test in Jerez stating on Saturday, February 16, 2008.

A floodlit test at night in Qatar on February 28-29 completes a hectic winter testing schedule for the British-based Suzuki squad, before the 18-round world championship gets underway in Doha on March 9.