The official presentation of Team Alstare Suzuki Corona Extra’s new rider Max Biaggi took place at Vallelunga today in glorious sunshine. Alstare’s hospitality unit was packed with national and international media and after a short speech from Alstare boss Francis Batta and FG Sport CEO Paolo Flammini, the media had a chance to speak to Max and ask questions. Vallelunga circuit is near Max’s home town of Rome and, unbelievably, a crowd of over 5,000 turned up to see their hero in action. At about 1.45 pm he came out of the pitbox to a rapturous welcome from his fans before starting testing this year’s Alstare Suzuki GSX-R1000 K6 bike. During the afternoon he completed a total of 56 laps, with a best time of 1:40.762. MAX I’m really surprised about how many fans turned up to watch today and their support gives me great energy. My priority today is to breathe with the bike – that is understand it and start the job of being comfortable before going fast. I know I’ve been away from the racetrack for a while, but when you are a racer, you don’t forget how to race. Once I put my helmet on, it all comes back to me and I just go out and ride. I know that I’ll get faster and faster the more time I spend on the bike and after that my endurance will get better. For sure riding on Pirellis is different to what I’ve been used to, but it’s just another element I have to learn. I am confident that I’ll be ready when the season begins. More, from a press release issued by Team Suzuki Press Office: More than 5000 fans and international media turned out to see Max Biaggi ride his Team Alstare Suzuki Corona GSX-R1000 Superbike at the Italian Vallelunga circuit today for the team’s official presentation. Alstare’s hospitality unit was packed with national and international media and after a short speech from Alstare boss Francis Batta and FG Sport CEO Paolo Flammini, the media had a chance to speak to Max and ask questions. Vallelunga circuit is near Max’s home town of Rome. At about 1.45 pm he came out of the pit box to a rapturous welcome from his fans before starting testing this year’s machine, completing a total of 56 laps and recording a best time of 1:40.762. Max Biaggi: “I’m really surprised about how many fans turned up to watch today and their support gives me great energy. My priority today is to breathe with the bike – that is understand it and start the job of being comfortable before going fast. I know I’ve been away from the race track for a while, but when you are a racer, you don’t forget how to race. “Once I put my helmet on, it all comes back to me and I just go out and ride. I know that I’ll get faster and faster the more time I spend on the bike and after that, my endurance will get better. For sure, riding on Pirellis is different to what I’ve been used to, but it’s just another element I have to learn. I am confident that I’ll be ready when the season begins.”