Voltcom Crescent Suzuki riders Eugene Laverty and Alex Lowes started their 2014 season at Almeria yesterday, with poor weather hindering the morning’s plans. The main focus for the test was Öhlins suspension set-up, before dialing in new electronic strategies (the Suzukis are the only bikes running MoTec).
Paul Denning, Team Manager: “A solid, if rather cold, first day for the 2014 Voltcom Crescent Suzuki team! Both riders were very happy with a number of new developments in suspension, riding position, gear-shift speed and braking performance.
“Alex was using the known 2013 electronic control strategies and got up to speed very quickly, with lap times significantly better than we achieved here as a team in the first test last year. He looks really comfortable on the Suzuki and has adapted very well.
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“Eugene is very enthused by the bike but less enthused today by some glitches – we suffered some frustrations working with the all new electronics, but this is the price of development, and the data gathered today will allow us to take big steps forward tomorrow. When we find the ideal balance between helping the riders control the power delivery and releasing enough performance, things will quickly progress.”
The squad head to Portimao this weekend and join Pata Honda riders, Jonathan Rea and Leon Haslam, and our very own Chaz Davies on the factory Ducati.
Boys, it’s sunnier in Shepton Mallet…
