From a press release issued by Team Suzuki:

New Suzuki British Superbike rider Scott Smart is excited about his upcoming first test on the Rizla Suzuki GSX-R1000K5 following the positive feedback on the new machine from World Superbike and American Superbike teams.

The 28 year old will join British Superbike Champion John Reynolds at Valencia on February 18th and 19th for the team’s initial test of the bike and he is already in a positive mood that his first ride will be a success.

Scott said: “I have spoken with my chief technician Norris Farrow and my bike is ready for testing. I am pretty excited and Valencia cannot come quick enough.

“We have put the new Rizla Suzuki GSX-R1000K5 on the dyno and it is returning some impressive horsepower figures – and that’s without starting to tune it. I’m not allowed to reveal its power output but it is right on the money and certainly more than I have ever had before.

“The potential with the bike is enormous and we already have an indication of how good the bike is going to be thanks to the AMA and WSB test reports. The Suzukis have been posting the fastest times wherever they are testing and the riders are very confident.

“What’s particularly impressive is the simulated race distances the teams are doing. The overall race time is reduced significantly and the lap times are consistently at record pace. That’s without any attempts at qualifying or going for a pure lap time and it is very encouraging for both ‘JR’ and me.

“The hard graft for Rizla Suzuki starts now with our Valencia test and the further development of the bike. We have plenty of testing options available after Valencia and the remaining six weeks before the racing starts is going to be very busy.”

The team starts the defence of its British Superbike and Manufacturer titles at Brands Hatch, Kent on Bank Holiday Monday, March 28th.