Reynolds stays at Suzuki, eyes 2004 title.

It has been officially confirmed that double British Superbike Champion John Reynolds will stay with Suzuki in BSB next season - and claims his GSX-R1000 will be the machine the factory Ducatis, Hondas and Yamahas will be chasing.

"The Suzuki GSX-R1000 will be the bike to beat in 2004," explains JR. "That's why I am so happy to have signed again for Crescent and Suzuki GB and look forward to starting the new season with the strongest package on the grid.

"I believe the GSX-R1000 was the bike to beat in 2003 right from the start. As an all-round package it is the fastest Superbike I have ever ridden," he added. "During the coming winter months Crescent, along with the Suzuki factory, will be working on making it even better for the 2004 season. This is the bike that can take me to my third British Superbike title, no question."

JR finished a clear second in the 2003 Championship despite breaking his collarbone at the very first round at Silverstone. He missed out on any points at the first round and spent the next four rounds riding injured.

After his collarbone healed, he took the series by the scruff of the neck and outscored everyone in the second half of the season, finishing with four wins and 12 podiums to his credit, not to mention a pole position and runners-up spot in Brands Hatch WSB.

"Continuity is important in racing and this will be my third year with Suzuki," said JR. "I know the team and the bike very well and I am confident we will be faster everywhere we go next season."

The 38-year-old Nottingham rider is a fans' favourite and maintains that he isn't ready to retire any time soon.

"People ask if this will be my final season but that's not the way I am looking at it. My aim is to win the Championship for Suzuki in 2004 and then return to defend it in 2005."

"John has helped us to develop the GSX-R1000 from a showroom bike into a world beating Superbike racer," began Crescent Suzuki boss Paul Denning. "His determination and will to win was proven to us all when he rode through the pain barrier with his injury and never gave up until the last chequered flag of 2003. And it's only made him hungrier for victory. This is the very strongest bike and rider line-up possible in 2004 for Suzuki."

"Suzuki GB has every confidence that the Crescent-prepared GSX-R1000 can compete at the very highest level in Superbikes," commented Suzuki GB's general manager Nick Barnes. "Add to that the super fast John Reynolds as our first choice rider with more experience of this bike than anybody else in the world and you have a combination that is going to be difficult to beat.

"If John hadn't been injured in 2003 he may well have lifted the title. We'll be giving him all our support in 2004 to go one better and bring the Championship home for Suzuki."

Yukio Kagayama partnered Reynolds at the Rizla backed squad in 20003, but is still recovering from pelvic injuries sustained at Cadwell Park. The Japanese has publicly stated he'd like to return to BSB next season, but is contracted directly to Suzuki and so will ride wherever they send him.

JR's team-mate and Suzuki's title sponsor will be announced soon.