Voltcom Crescent Suzuki prepare for electronics shift

This weekend’s Aragon round of the 2015 World Superbike championship sees the deadline for teams to switch to the new lower-cost electronics package, and will force the hand of the Voltcom Crescent Suzuki team as they switch from Motec to Magneti Marelli.

Coming three rounds into the season, the switch could well undo some of the good work already started by former British Superbike champion Alex Lowes, as the squad are forced to start from scratch on the new system; something he is keenly aware of.

“I’m looking forward to Aragon and we’ll continue to work hard step-by-step. The new Magneti Marelli electronics may throw up some problems as we work through any new setup issues, but we have to approach it with a calm, clear mind and get the most from the weekend that we can.”

The new rules necessitating the switch were brought in at the start of the season to help reduce costs, but only come into effect this weekend. They see the full electronics system capped at a €8000 package, with teams forced to share new software development strategies throughout the year.

Meanwhile, the team’s second rider, Frenchman Randy de Puniet, is in a battle to regain his full fitness after the former MotoGP front-runner was struck down with a viral infection at the season’s second round in Thailand.

“I am not at 100%, as I had wished to be, after falling ill with a fever in Thailand which is still affecting me, but I am hoping to feel better ready for the race weekend. We have not had much luck so far this year, so I am hoping to start my season again. We have two days testing at Calafat which will be good training for me just a week before the event, so I’m confident and will give my best for the weekend’s two races.”