BBC MotoGP commentator Steve Parrish has become the very first person, outside of a team, to ride one of the new generation 800cc bikes.
The former racer steered
John Hopkins' Rizla Suzuki GSV-R around the
Jerez circuit, venue for this weekend's Spanish Grand Prix - footage of which will be shown on
BBC2 from 12.30 on Sunday 25th March, just before the start of the grand prix.
"It was an absolute privilege to ride John Hopkins' bike and I can now appreciate why this year's lap times are already faster than those from last season," said Steve. "No one expected the bikes to be this good. However, these new generation machines are a beautifully balanced package, as opposed to the tyre shredding 990's.
"I'm sure the 800's will just get faster and faster over the season, as the teams continue to develop the bikes. The GSV-R felt fantastic, thanks Rizla Suzuki MotoGP!"
Parrish took one podium finish and one fastest lap during a 500cc GP career that lasted from 1977 to 1985.
