Relentless Suzuki by TAS Racing has completed a successful three-day test at the Almeria Circuit in Spain with both riders, Michael Laverty and Ian Lowry, more than satisfied after the opening shakedown of the year.

The team had arrived in Spain expecting to make a number of changes to the new all new K8 GSX-R600, but together with the new Showa Suspension package for 2008, Lowry came away from Almeria with the fastest Supersport time of 1min 40.0secs which was knocking on the door of the times set by a number of World Supersport riders earlier in February at the same circuit.

Current British Supersport Champion Laverty spent the first couple of days reacquainting himself with a Superbike after a season in the 600cc class, putting in as many laps as possible.

The team made a multitude of changes, both with suspension and electronics to help him learn more about the bike, then on day three he set a time of 1min 37.8secs - the fifth fastest Superbike time at the test, and just behind fellow Suzuki rider Tom Sykes.

"It was good to get back on the Suzuki Superbike and I must say I was pretty impressed with the BSB Pirelli control tyre,” Laverty said. “I was just dialling myself in on days one and two then on the third day we had a bit of go and wound it up. Both the bike and myself are probably only at 95 per cent so to be in the ballpark straight away is encouraging. I can't wait for the season to start and also to give a good show at Bishopscourt."