Pop star Jay Kay joins Rizla Suzuki!

Jamiroqui front man Jay Kay and film actress/model Lisa Barbuscia have joined Rizla Suzuki's British Superbike team for 2003.

Jay Kay is famous around the world for his distinctive brand of music, hard partying and love of fast cars. But the multi-million selling pop star has been persuaded to make the transition to two wheels instead of four.

The 33 year old will be joining Rizla Suzuki at the race tracks this season, cheering on riders John Reynolds and Yukio Kagayama in their bid to win races and the British Superbike Championship. The racing starts at Silverstone on March 30th and he hopes to be there.

Then in April, after passing his bike test, Jay Kay will receive his own Rizla Suzuki GSX-R1000 replica worth more than ?40,000. It will be specially presented to him with both team riders' signatures and a host of engine and chassis work to make it one of the most exclusive motorcycles money can buy.

With an estimated 175bhp and weighing only 165kgs, with a top speed in excess of 200mph, it is right up this performance junkie's street.

He will be given special training from the Rizla Suzuki team riders on how to handle the power and how to get the most from his new bike. If he enjoys himself on the replica, by the end of the race season he will be invited to test ride the full ?100,000 race Superbike that is more powerful and faster in every department.

Speaking at the team launch at the fashionable Denim club in London, Jay said: "I have been tempted to two wheels by Rizla Suzuki. Just look at the bike, it is gorgeous and is perfect for me. The Space Kowboy riding a Rizla Suzuki GSX-R1000!"

Famous for owning cars from Ferrari, Lamborghini and Aston Martin, this will be the singer's first involvement with Superbikes. Jay has already completed his CBT (Compulsory Basic Training) and will be going through his Direct Access training with the tean within the next month.

"You couldn't get a better combination than Rizla, Suzuki and me," enthused Jay. "The Suzuki itself is amazing. Look at the brakes, the wheels, the suspension, the quality is as high as you can get. It is the performance that attracts me though. I love speed and I love fast cars, but until I met Rizla Suzuki I never really had the chance to get involved. Now I can't wait to get my motorcycle test and get riding.

"I love the whole biking thing," the Brit confessed. "I was testing my Ferrari 550 Maranello on a few switchbacks in the Alps when I came across bikers going quickly. I love the feeling when a biker gives you a wave, the respect is there."

Jay admits to seeing 195mph in his Ferrari and is busting to take ownership of his own Rizla Suzuki GSX-R1000 replica.

"I can't wait to ride this bike. I will have to treat it with kid gloves to begin with, I don't want to do anything stupid, but I can't wait to open it up," said Jay Kay with wide eyes. "I have a lot of road craft and know how to judge speeds thanks to my time with the fast cars, but this will take some getting used to."

The British Superbike race season kicks off on March 30th at Silverstone and Team Rizla Suzuki is one of the hot favourites to win the title in 2003.
"Having Jay and Lisa join our team because they are excited by our bikes and the racing is fantastic," said Team Manager Paul Denning. "There is no doubt we are in with a chance of winning the title this year and are delighted to welcome both of them as team friends, we are looking forward to developing a long and exciting relationship with them."

To read what actress Lisa Barbuscia had to say about her new 'role' at Suzuki - and what she looks like on a GSX-R1000 - please see seperate story...