Team Suzuki Europe faced an uphill battle and suffered some bad luck that resulted in injury to team rider Nigel Walraven at the opening round of the European Supertstock 1000 Championship at Motorland Aragon in Spain at the weekend, but the Dutch-based team is confident of better fortune this coming weekend.
The Motul-sponsored team had to change most of settings on the GSX-R1000 machines from data acquired at the recent Aragon test due to new regulations using different Pirelli tyres that meant the team mechanics, Hoegee Performance Tuning and the K-Tech suspension specialist had to work hard to get the Suzuki, the Yoshimura ECU, Tsubaki chain and the TRW brakes dialled-in to the new-specification rubber. Then after making a strong start from 24th on the grid to 14th in the first corner, Walraven was hit by another rider and pinned underneath his machine. He was airlifted to Zaragoza Hospital where an MRI scan revealed a haematoma is pushing on the nerves in his back and requires bed rest this week.
Tessels started the opening race from 25th, dodging the first corner accident and eventually finished just outside the points in 18th. The 2014 Superstock 600 Championship runner-up was still suffering the after effects from inuring his knee at Donington Park in the UK the previous week, but is hopeful of being fit for this coming weekend’s second round at Assen in The Netherlands.
The team is not sure at this if Walraven will be joining him for the event.
Marc Hoegee – Team Manager:
“This was a very tough weekend and we worked really hard to make progress. We knew Wayne’s knee was a problem, but during the practice sessions all went well. The start from both riders was incredible, but Nigel’s crash was bad. Wayne gave all he had and I’m very proud at what he achieved. Now we’ll focus on next weekend in Assen.”
Wayne Tessels:
“I looked forward to this first race, on the same circuit where I finished on the podium last year, although I knew this weekend wouldn’t be easy with such very strong competition. During the practice sessions I didn’t quite have the feeling on the front of the bike that I need to fully make use of the corners. But we’ll continue working with the team to find a solution so we can take-up the battle again next weekend. My knee is troublesome with riding and this had its influence in my position on the bike, but this will improve in time. This coming weekend is at Assen and I’m determined to show what we’ve got.”
Nigel Walraven:
“My start was phenomenal, because I overtook three-rows of riders and got to 14th position. But then someone crashed into me on the inside and another riders hit me from behind. I couldn’t do anything, fell off and got a bike on my back. I went by helicopter to Zaragoza hospital and got an MRI. It seems that a haematoma is pushing on the nerves in my back, so I have to lie down for 24 hours and evaluate then, but I’d like to thank the medical staff on track and at hospital for the excellent care.”
