Concern creeping in at Suzuki?

Team Suzuki riders Kenny Roberts Jr. and John Hopkins finished the two-day Catalunya tests early yesterday, after completing all scheduled tests on the latest update to the all-new 2003 motor, which arrived earlier in the week.

Lap times by the Americans were close to 2002 GP record pace - but the whole class has taken a step forward, and when the pair stopped testing with two hours still remaining, Hopkins was placed 13th overall and Roberts 17th.

By the end of the day they'd slipped to 14th and 22nd, respectively, out of the 27 runners, with fastest man Hopkins 2secs slower than Loris Capirossi.

"Obviously we still have a lot of work to do with the new bike, and of course it's frustrating for the riders to watch the competitors going faster," said straight talking Team Manager Garry Taylor. "We're starting at the bottom again, with a new bike in January, and this week a second version of the new engine. But the potential is all there, our motivation is still high, and our intention remains the same: to get Suzuki back to the winner's circle again.

"We have the full support of the factory, and there were some top people here this weekend, so they have a very clear idea of what we need," added Taylor. "This wasn't where we had hoped to be at this stage, but we're ready to work non-stop until we get there."

The new GSV-R motor - a 990cc four-camshaft V4 - differs from last year's machine in every detail, and in one major respect - the vee angle has been opened up to 65 degrees from 60 degrees, to make more space for improved induction tracts. The latest version refines the design still further, reducing internal friction and offering further scope for development.

"We have a lot more power than last year's engine, but we still need more to become fully competitive," explained Project Leader, Kunio Arase. "I am confident we can find more power by improving all areas of the motor, such as internal friction, and by more refinement to the engine management ECU. The engine is now at about 80 percent of its potential.

"The first target is to improve the power characteristic - to make the throttle response more linear, and to make the bike more rider-friendly and more tyre-friendly. In terms of the new injection system, we are always developing new techniques. We expect the next step forward for this engine in time for the first race weekend at Suzuka.

"In handling terms, the stability under braking is much improved from last year. The slipper clutch system is similar to that used last year, with much more refined electronic controls, so that reduction of engine braking is also improved."

There is one more group test, at Suzuka in Japan, before the season proper begins with the Japanese GP at the same circuit on April 6.