RIZLA SUZUKI:

Rizla Suzuki MotoGP returns from a short mid-season break to get back to business at the Czech Republic Grand Prix to be held at the Brno Automotodrom this Sunday.

Loris Capirossi and Chris Vermeulen had an entertaining battle against each other at last year’s Czech GP, with Capirossi finally coming out on top and going on to take his first podium in Rizla Suzuki colours. Both riders are hoping that the Suzuki GSV-R can perform just as well at the 5,403m Brno circuit this year and – with the support of the whole team – will be looking to put recent tough races firmly behind them.

The Brno race will also signal an alteration to the MotoGP regulations, as a major rule change will come into operation. For the remainder of the season Capirossi and Vermeulen – like every other rider on the MotoGP grid – will be restricted to a maximum of just five engines for the last seven races of the year, a rule that will cost the rider a 10-point penalty if he uses above his quota.

Rizla Suzuki MotoGP takes to the track on Friday for the first free practice session, with the second on Saturday morning. Qualifying will take place on Saturday afternoon when all riders will battle for the best grid positions they can achieve. Sunday’s 22-lap race starts at 14.00hrs local time (12.00hrs GMT).

Loris Capirossi:
“I just can’t wait to get back on the bike again; we have a lot of unfinished business and need to show that the results we’ve been getting are not a true reflection on how hard the team has been working recently. I got a third at Brno last year which was the last time I was on the podium and that is just too long, so I need to do something about it. We really want consistently good weather all weekend so we can get the set-up right for the GSV-R and if that happens I think we have a chance of a really good result.”

Chris Vermeulen:
“We’ve had a bit of time for some rest and relaxation since the last race and that has given all my injuries a chance to heal and I’ll be 100% fit when we get to the Czech Republic. The break has given us an opportunity to look at the data from the last couple of events and see where we can make some changes for Brno. I have been speaking with Tom about the bike and we have a few ideas and we are both quite positive we can improve it straight away – which will be good. I’ve done pretty well at Brno in the past couple of years and I’m sure that this is a track where we can make the best of the GSV-R.”