TT hero Jefferies re-signs with Suzuki.

Suzuki is already planning to enjoy a repeat performance of this year's total domination of the Isle of Man TT as, despite receiving tempting offers from other manufacturers, TT hero David Jefferies has re-signed with TAS Suzuki.

The nine times TT winner and 2002 British Superstock Champion has confirmed that he will again take on the challenge of the Island's infamous 37.73-mile public roads aboard a Suzuki GSX-R1000.

Jefferies completed a hat-trick of victories with the TAS Suzuki Road Racing Team at the 2002 Isle of Man spectacular, putting in a breathtaking lap speed of 127.29mph in the Senior TT and blasting his way into the record books on a production based GSX-R1000 in the process.

Jefferies will take to the road on an all-new 2003 specification TAS Suzuki GSX-R1000. The proposal is for the team to contest the UK's classic real-road races consisting of the Northwest 200 in May, the Isle of Man TT 31 May - 6 June and the Ulster Grand Prix in August. He will also be the first reserve rider for the Rizla Suzuki British Superbike team.

"I'm delighted to continue the relationship with TAS and Suzuki, especially in view of our great achievements this year," said Jefferies. "With the 2003 GSX-R1000 Suzuki has clearly made improvements to what was already a great road race bike. At the end of the day, the TAS Suzuki package was the right one for me and I can't wait to get back to the Island to continue this year's winning streak."

Philip Neill, TAS Suzuki Team Manager noted, "Both my father Hector and I are thrilled that David has chosen to remain with us next year. We are very much a hands-on team and all get personally involved. I think this was one aspect of the package that appealed to David and he has shown tremendous loyalty by making the decision to stay with TAS Suzuki."

"The Suzuki GSX-R1000 proved itself to be a thoroughbred race bike in many disciplines throughout the world in 2002," commented Nick Barnes, Suzuki's General Manager of Motorcycle Sales. "But for many, the true test of a production based motorcycle is out on the public roads away from the racing tarmac and, in the hands of David Jefferies, the Suzuki GSX-R1000 simply out-classed and out-performed the opposition.

"The results that the TAS Team run by Hector & Philip Neil achieved for Suzuki this year were staggering and we had no hesitation in asking them to operate our roads racing programme again for 2003.

"We completely endorse Philip's comments with regard to David. He has proved to be a true professional both on and off the track and is a pleasure to work with. Rider commitment is important to us and with our No 1 choice now in place we believe the combination of David and the new GSX-R1000 will be unstoppable."