Suzuki set for season finale at Valencia Team SUZUKI MotoGP will be in Spain this weekend as the 2005 MotoGP World Championship draws to a close with the G.P.betandwin.com De La Comunitat Valencia. The Circuito Ricardo Tormo traditionally stages the last round of the season and a huge crowd will be expected to fill the only stadium track on the MotoGP calendar. The 4.005Km long circuit consists of 14 turns that are all important to a quick lap because there are no super-fast sections where time can be made up. The abrasive surface and the high amount of edge grip required will mean that the correct choice of Bridgestone tyres will be all important to the performance of the Suzuki GSV-R. John Hopkins will be starting his 17th race of the year although Germany did need a re-start following his spectacular high-side – and when he lines up for Sunday’s race it will be the first time the Anglo-American has competed in every race during a MotoGP season. He will certainly be looking to get the points to give him his highest-ever overall position and is still eager to get that podium he is so desperate for. Hopkins will be joined at Valencia by test team rider Nobuatsu Aoki, who is replacing the injured Kenny Roberts Jr. Team SUZUKI MotoGP take to the track on Friday 4th November for two free practice sessions, this will be followed by another free session on Saturday morning. During Saturday afternoon Hopkins and Aoki will be going all out to secure the best starting positions for Sunday throughout and hour-long qualifying session, Sunday’s race will begin at 14.00CET. Both Suzuki racers will be staying on for further testing at Valencia next week where they will be joined by new signing Chris Vermeulen, he will be riding the GSV-R for the first time on Wednesday 9th November. Paul Denning Team Manager: “This weekend will see the season draw to a close as far as racing is concerned, but we still have a lot of work to do as we start to prepare for 2006. Chris will be joining the team after the race and will ride the GSV-R for the first time next week, so it will give him an early chance to work with his new crew and get acquainted to the way Team SUZUKI MotoGP operates. “We are looking forward to the race as we know the bike can go well around here Kenny proved that last year by setting the fastest time on the first day. The track has a lot of helpful cambers, but the uneven surface and the tight layout of the circuit will be a test for all concerned. It is good to have two riders again this weekend and I’m sure that Nobu’s knowledge and experience will be a great benefit not only to John but the whole team. “Valencia is a quite unique event, with the closeness of the spectators and the stunning fireworks that are set off at the end of every race make this an event not to be missed. I hope that we can put on an equally good display to keep all Suzuki fans happy over the winter!”