FOR OULTON PARK
Rizla Suzuki's Tom Sykes and Atsushi Watanabe are refreshed and ready to race at Oulton Park at round seven of the Bennetts British Superbikes this weekend, following a three week break in the calendar.
The demanding 2.692 mile track is a favourite of Sykes and he will be tackling it head on to try and secure his maiden BSB win. He has recharged his batteries during the break and is planning on coming back with all guns blazing.
For Atsushi Watanabe, this will be his second visit to Oulton Park having raced there in May, giving him vital track knowledge. He has been in Japan preparing for the prestigious Suzuka Eight Hour race and will be keen to put his Rizla Suzuki through its paces and pull in two top-10 finishes.
The Cheshire circuit is one of the most difficult on the calendar and always succeeds in producing exciting races. Riders need to be brave and determined if they are to master the fast bends, tight runs and changes in gradient that Oulton Park presents them with.
Free practice starts on Friday May 18th; the singular 50-minute qualifying session at 1400-1450 on Saturday; race one at 1315 on Sunday and race two at 1630.
Jack Valentine - Rizla Suzuki Team Manager:
"It will be good to get back after the short break that we have had. Everyone has had a chance to recharge and Rizla Suzuki is more than ready for Oulton Park. Tom loves racing at Oulton and last time we were there in May he showed what he is capable of. There is no reason why he can't be on the front row and on top of the podium. The Rizla Suzuki GSX-R1000 is working really well and the nimble chassis, paired with the strong engine, is just what is required at Oulton.
"I think this will be a strong round for Atsu as he has raced at Oulton before and track knowledge at a complex circuit is everything. He has been in Japan preparing for Suzuka so he will have spent plenty of time on a bike and be more than ready to race his Rizla Suzuki at Oulton. Since he already knows the circuit I think a top-10 qualifying and race result will be more than achievable."
