Team Suzuki Press Office – May 21.
Voltcom Crescent Suzuki is gearing up for its busiest and most significant round of the eni FIM Superbike World Championship with its only home race this season at Donington Park, in the UK, this weekend.
The positive showing at the official test at Imola in Italy, following a difficult race weekend last time out, has left Eugene Laverty and Alex Lowes raring to go at the Leicestershire circuit and ready to show the local fans what they can do on their Yoshimura-powered machines.
Irishman Laverty has had a challenging relationship with the Donington circuit since he joined the Championship seven years ago, but a third place podium in last year’s second race has left him hungry for more and determined to advance his Suzuki GSX-R in front of the home crowd. Local rider Lowes took a double win here in 2013 on his way to clinching the British Superbike title and is hoping the knowledge and familiarity of his favourite track will aid his development on the GSX-R1000 during his debut year on the world stage.
Built in the grounds of the Donington Hall Estate, on the Leicestershire/ Derbyshire border, the 4,023m long clockwise circuit has a history dating back to 1931, making it one of the UK’s most well-known and well-loved race tracks. The circuit’s technical layout encompasses 12 corners throughout its undulating design, including favourites such as Craner Curves and the Melbourne Loop, with breath-taking views providing a thrilling ride for racers and spectators alike.
After a day with the fans in aid of Riders for Health tomorrow (Thursday), Voltcom Crescent Suzuki takes to the track for three Free Practice sessions on Friday, the first of which is scheduled for 10:00hrs local time. With a change to the standard European race timetable, Superpole will run at 12:00hrs on Saturday, with Sunday’s two races at 12:00hrs and 15:00hrs respectively.
Eugene Laverty:
"Last year I finally scored my first podium at Donington since my move to the World Championships back in 2007. It's never been an easy circuit for me but last year's result was encouraging. We've had a difficult run lately and it sure would be great to turn things around with a podium finish in front of the home crowd. I’m really looking forward to this weekend and it will be extra special to ride my home race as part of a British team as I know the crowd will be behind us!"
Alex Lowes:
“I’m really looking forward to Donington this weekend. It’s only 10 minutes from home for me and having previous knowledge of the track is going to help me get straight down to work from Friday morning which will ensure I get my Voltcom Crescent Suzuki working well ready to challenge at the front on Sunday. Donington has always been a favourite of mine and I have great memories from 2013 so I’m eager to put on a good show for the fans as part of the only British-based team in the World Championship this year.”
