Team SUZUKI MotoGP returns to Europe for Official Tests and Team Launch Team SUZUKI MotoGP will be in Spain for the next two weekends to take part in the traditional season-opening Official MotoGP Tests, as well as announcing its 2006 ‘XRE4’ GSV-R990 an all-new machine for the final season of the 990cc regulations. The tests will be the final opportunities for John Hopkins and Chris Vermeulen to find the best settings for their all-new Suzuki GSV-R prototype race bikes before the first race at the end of March. The Suzuki factory and the team’s technicians will be working hard to maximise the new bike’s potential over these 6 days of testing. Hopkins and Vermeulen have both showed huge potential in the pre-season and the two young racers will be hoping to carry that form into the two tests. Hopkins has recorded some very fast times at both of the Sepang tests and has consistently been amongst the top riders. Rookie Vermeulen has also continued to impress with his calm approach, clear feedback and lack of errors. The final day of the Montmelo test, Sunday 5th March, will also include the excitement of a televised, timed 40 minute session at 14.00hrsCET, where every rider will go all out to set the fastest lap-time to win a brand new BMW Z4 Roadster a true ‘winner takes all’ contest! The two test events will be held at Montmelo near Barcelona between 3-5 March and at Jerez in Southern Spain on 10-12 March and will prepare Team SUZUKI MotoGP for the first round of the MotoGP World Championship at Jerez on Sunday 26th March. Team SUZUKI MotoGP will also be holding its Official Team Launch Presentation prior to the Official Test at the Circuit De Catalunya, Montmelo on Thursday 2nd March at 19.00hrs. All members of the media are invited to join Team SUZUKI MotoGP in its hospitality facility for this presentation, which includes the official unveiling and technical specifications of the all-new 2006 Suzuki GSV-R ‘XRE4’. Paul Denning Team Manager: “These two tests are very important for the final development of the new bike and for the riders. It will give us a chance to see where we are in relation to the opposition and to evaluate the progress of the Suzuki GSV-R and Bridgestone’s new tyres in colder European conditions. “The factory has been working flat out since the last test to find extra power and complete an already good package. John is fully fired up to get out there and compete with the best riders he is ready to take the next step, without doubt. If Chris continues on his upward learning curve he will also make his mark we’re looking forward to the tests.”