From a press release issued by Team Suzuki:

SUZUKI OPTIMISTIC FOR IMOLA RACE

Katsuaki Fujiwara and Stephane Chambon have finished first and second at Imola in the past two years and are hoping for a turn of their 2004 season luck at this weekend’s ninth and penultimate World Supersport Championship round.

Fujiwara, currently ninth in the championship, has won and Chambon has finished second on two occasions, so Team Alstare Suzuki Corona Extra are determined to finish the season on a high note.

The 4.933 kilometre track is a one of the fastest in the calendar, despite speed-slowing chicanes, and is a favourite amongst riders and fans alike.

Katsuaki Fujiwara:

“I always like riding at Imola but I think I would prefer it without the chicanes! I have had two wins – in 2002 and 2003 – and I would like to think I could get a podium this year, but it will not be so easy. It has been a difficult season for me because I expected so much more. I really thought I would be a championship contender before the season started, but it has not turned out that way. We have all worked so hard but the results just have not come our way. I hope we can end the last two races with some good results.”

Stephane Chambon:

“I have had two seconds and one fourth in the last three years, so Imola has been a good circuit for me. This year is not going to be easy but I would like to think we can get something out of it and then also do well in the last round at Magny Cours, my home race! Like Kats, I expected much more this year but it has been a bit disappointing at times and I do not think we have showed our true potential. Sometimes racing is like that, but I want to end the season on a positive note and I will be trying my hardest as usual.”

Vittorio Iannuzzo:

“If Kats and Stef are disappointed, then I am even more so. I have had too many crashes this year and sometimes I have not known why! Unfortunately I cannot really explain what has happened many times and that has been a big disappointment and has also affected my confidence. Imola is a home race for me, so I want to do really well in front of my fans. Last year I was not on a Supersport bike so once again I will be learning in the first practice. I have got just two chances left of getting a good result this season and I hope I can get a good finish at Imola.”