Arriving to the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia for the second testing of the year, Rizla Suzuki competitors Loris Capirossi and Álvaro Bautista, together with Team Manager Paul Denning, stopped into Japan where they were greeted with a tour of Suzuki’s headquarters.

Suzuki’s Directors Mr. Toshihiro Suzuki and Mr. Masanori Atsumi and Managing Officer Mr. Sadayuki Inobe showed the group around the ‘Suzuki Plaza’ museum, Capirossi and Bautista also went to the race department where they visited with engineers and reviewed the development of the 2010 GSV-R they will race in this season's World Championship.

“It was a great experience to visit Suzuki’s Head Office and Motorcycle Technical Engineering Centre,” says Capirossi. “I have been to the factory before but I never visited the Suzuki Museum, and it was amazing to see Suzuki’s technologies going right back to the start of the last century, and the first motorcycle from 1952.”

He adds: “Our meetings in the Racing Department were also very important, and it really makes us understand Suzuki’s effort when we see so many engineers focusing on making the best possible bike for only two riders – Álvaro and me. I would also like to thank Toshihiro-san, Atsumi-san and Inobe-san for taking time to see us and giving us their support for the 2010 season. I am going to Sepang full of motivation, and I know that Suzuki is 100% behind me.”

MotoGP rookie Bautista comments: “The engineering facility is amazing, it really opened my eyes to what goes on to support us and after visiting the museum I know a lot more about Suzuki’s history. It is incredible to see such a huge company still feeling like a family business and everyone is so friendly and welcoming.”

“I did my best to tell the engineers my exact feedback from the bike, but first I need to push my own level to the maximum and get to the limit of the bike – then it’s my right to complain and request better performance, but not yet! I feel the same as Loris – very motivated and very sure that Suzuki will do its maximum to support us.”