World Superbikes: Alstare Suzuki unveil 2008 colours

The factory Alstare Suzuki unveiled their new 2008 livery and sponsors in Qatar.

Following months of speculation regarding the team’s sponsor and even their participation in this year’s series, the team will be backed by new title sponsor, Spanish mobile phone company Pepephone along with co sponsors Dark Dog (Energy drink) and Mey Luna (Financial and real estate).

Alstare Suzuki ended their relationship with Mexican beer giant Corona Extra at the end of 2007 and initially struggled to find a replacement.

During January’s official test in Phillip Island rumours emerged that the team could be forced to withdraw from the series due to a lack of budget, but after months of negotiation team owner Francis Batta secured Pepephone as the team’s new title sponsor.

The three rider World Superbike team of Yukio Kagayama, Fonsi Nieto and Max Neukirchner are in action for free practice in preparation for Saturday’s race.

The team’s Superstock 1000 rider Xavier Simeon will have to wait until the first European race at Valencia in April until he gets out on track.