Suzuki set for Sepang

The Suzuki MotoGP squad will begin testing at Sepang in Malaysia on January 21, with riders Kenny Roberts Jr, John Hopkins, and new team boss Paul Denning.

The latest version of the Suzuki GSV-R will be ridden for the first time, with race technicians at Suzuki’s headquarters in Japan working hard over the winter on engine and chassis developments.

The test will also be a debut for Roberts Jnr’s new chief technician, Tom O’Kane.

The Sepang test will last four days from January 21-24, with a return visit scheduled in February followed by testing at Phillip Island in Australia and more tests in Europe. Interestingly the bikes will be taken to Crescent HQ for any work between the end of testing and the first race of the season at Jerez on April 10.

“It will be great to see what the guys in Japan have got for us,” said Roberts Jr. “I’ve been working had all through the winter break to get ready, my elbow feels 100 per cent, and now my focus is totally on the first test.”