Full speed ahead for Rizla Suzuki.

Rizla Suzuki heads to round five of the British Superbike Championship at Snetterton in optimistic mood - the high-speed track should suit its powerful GSX-R1000 race bikes.

One thing the Rizla Suzuki GSX-R1000 has in abundance is power, with 185bhp tested at the rear wheel in the workshops. The team is counting on this power to take it to the top of the podium at the Norfolk track where the racers are often above 180mph on the long back straight.

For reigning British Superbike Champion John Reynolds, this is his chance to kick-start his title defence in earnest.

Reynolds said: "Snetterton is a track that should suit our bike - the long straights will favour horsepower and we have plenty of that in the GSX-R1000.

"It is up to me now to start winning. I haven't won a race this year and I'm serious when I say I miss the top step of the podium. When you see me racing this bank holiday Monday you can be sure I'll be giving more effort than anyone else to win."

Reynold's team mate Karl Harris will miss Snetterton while he continues to recover from a broken left wrist sustained at the last round at Oulton Park. He is hoping to be back for the eighth round at Knockhill in July, but in the meantime his bike is being ridden by World Superbike regular Giovanni Bussei.

The 29-year-old who comes from Torino in Italy, is excited at the prospect of riding the GSX-R1000 and is aiming for podium finishes at Snetterton.

Bussei has ridden the GSX-R1000 in endurance trim at the recent Imola 200-mile race, qualifying in pole position. And with a best result of fifth in World Superbikes at Australia in 2000 on a 750cc four-cylinder machine, he certainly has the pedigree to achieve good results for the team.

Bussei noted: "This will be very interesting for me, especially because the new regulations mean that 1000cc fours can compete in WSB next year. This is my chance to ride a bike that can race next year and see how close it will be to the Ducatis.

"I know how competitive the British Superbike Championship is, so it will not be easy. I want to do a good job for the team and myself and I will be very happy if I get on to the podium."

Team manager Paul Denning continued: "Snetterton is a high speed circuit and we have a strong engine. We all know the Suzuki GSX-R1000 is capable of winning races and we are hoping that this weekend will be the first of many top results.

"Giovanni joining the team will help us to develop the bike in the right direction in Karl's absence. He has enormous experience at the top level and I'm sure he will support John in every way he can. And he is in with a chance of getting a good result at the same time."

The Superbike racing starts at 1.30pm on Bank Holiday Monday, June 3rd.