From a press release issued by Rizla Suzuki: Rizla Suzuki MotoGP is on its way to Jerez in Spain to attend the opening IRTA test of 2008, an event that will also see the first competitive action of the season. Chris Vermeulen and Loris Capirossi will be onboard their new Rizla Suzuki GSV-Rs in Europe for the first time this year during the three-day test. The Jerez IRTA test will not only give the two riders and their machines a tough workout over the 4.4km Spanish circuit, but will also feature a televised 40-minute against-the-clock qualifying type session, where the fastest rider will walk away with a brand new BMW car. Vermeulen and Capirossi will be making their first appearances on the newly liveried 2008 Rizla Suzuki GSV-R – and in their latest riding apparel and it will also be the first time the duo have tested in Europe this season following two tests in Malaysia and Australia. The Jerez circuit in Andalucía, Spain is certainly a track to test the 800cc machine to its limit, with fast, medium and slow corners over its undulating layout, providing many hard-braking areas both up and downhill, plus countless camber changes throughout its 13 challenging bends. Rizla Suzuki MotoGP will be in action from Saturday 16th February, with the televised session getting underway at 14.05hrs local time (13.05hrs GMT) on Sunday. The Team will then travel to Losail in Qatar for the second IRTA test on the 28th of February in readiness for the first round of the season also at Losail on Sunday 9th March. Both the Qatar test and the race will become the first ever MotoGP events staged under floodlights. Chris Vermeulen: “I can’t wait to get to Jerez and get on the bike. I just want to be riding again and the sooner the better! It will be great to get back to testing as we need to get as many miles in as possible before the season starts. This test will also be good because we have a bit of competition with all the other bikes and riders on Sunday so we will be able to get an idea of where we are at the moment. I know we have a lot of work still to do, but I am more than ready for it!” Loris Capirossi: “I am really looking forward to this weekend. It is officially my first time in Europe as a Suzuki rider and I am really excited about everything. The bike is coming along good and we have lots of things to do at Jerez and then Qatar before we go into the first race. We don’t get any points from events like this but for sure it is good to be in action and to take on the other guys on Sunday to see how we are progressing.”