Next step in performance for Team SUZUKI MotoGP at Catalunya Team SUZUKI MotoGP travels to Catalunya for the sixth round of the MotoGP World Championship this weekend keen to evaluate newly developed engine parts for the Suzuki GSV-R prototype race bike. Last Sunday’s race at Mugello saw both Suzuki mounted racers Kenny Roberts Jr and John Hopkins finish in the points for the first time this season, the GSV-R displaying consistency over race distance. Now the Team is keen to further develop the engine’s performance – using the latest parts – at a circuit that is renowned to be a great test for machinery. The Gran Premi Gauloises de Catalunya will be run over 25 laps of the 4.7km track – located near Granollers, north of Barcelona. The Circuit de Catalunya has been resurfaced over the winter in an attempt smooth out the bumps, on a track that is very demanding on both tyres and suspension. Team SUZUKI MotoGP Manager Paul Denning said: “We are going to Catalunya with new parts for the GSV-R designed to improve torque, acceleration and drivability. We showed last weekend that both bikes can qualify very well and run a full race distance, so we have something to build on. “We displayed good potential at Catalunya in the pre-season Official MotoGP Test, with John recording the sixth quickest time – even though we did struggle to find good front end grip. This will hopefully be resolved as Bridgestone has been working hard all season – as was demonstrated by its first podium last weekend – to improve on the front tyre. We have been informed that we will have brand new compounds and constructions to use at the weekend, and we are confident this will help both riders at the fast and flowing circuit.” Team SUZUKI MotoGP begins practice on Friday morning in preparation for the timed qualifying session on Saturday afternoon. The race starts at 14.00hrs CET on Sunday 12th June.