MotoReview

Rizla Suzuki MotoGP

We reckon: The Suzuki MotoGP team have finally picked up a major sponsor in the form of Rizla, who have sponsored their efforts in British Superbikes for some time. There are changes too in the team's rider line-up, with SBK regular Chris Vermeulen taking Kenny Roberts JNR's bike for this year. Pre-season test results have been mixed, and at the risk of being completely wrong, I think they have their work cut out this year.

John Hopkins: (At the Jerez test) "I am really positive about the steps that we have taken as a whole team and I know there is a lot of potential in the new bike and I am now really eager to get back here for the race."

Chris Vermeulen: (At the Jerez test) "I am happy with the way the bike and I have improved over the three days and I am sure I can make further advances when we return here for the race. I now can't wait for my first Grand Prix as a Rizla Suzuki MotoGP rider."

Tech 3 Yamaha

We reckon: After putting in a good showing on the WCM last year, James Ellison has been rewarded with a ride on a Dunlop-shod Tech 3 Yamaha bike. After a few tests he was then joined by Carlos Checa, who proceeded to not only go faster than Ellison but just about everyone else, too. Two of the main questions facing the team at the start of the season are, 'can Ellison pick up the pace to match his teammate?' and 'how will the Dunlops fair over a race distance?'.

James Ellison: "I'm looking forward to the race, I love the track, although it's been difficult to get used to with this bike because everything happens faster! It's my first race with the Yamaha and I've got to take things slowly, but I would like top ten or at least top 15. I know I am nowhere near the peak of my capabilities yet and I know I can keep improving as the season goes on."

Carlos Checa: "We're still improving a lot but we have a long way to go with the endurance of the tyre. It's hard to know at the moment what will happen over race distance. We've had a lot more problems here than in Qatar or Barcelona and of course this is disappointing, but we need to stay calm about this and remember that it's very early days."

MotoReview will have full coverage from the season opener in Jerez, updated over the course of the weekend.