Team Suzuki Alstare riders Leon Haslam and Sylvain made a very positive start to the 2010 season, finishing the 3-day official tests in Portimao in second and tenth places respectively. Leon had led the first day and was second in day two’s damp conditions before finishing just behind fellow countryman Jonathan Rea (Honda) today.

... ALL THE BEST FOR 2010 WHICH WILL BE THE YEAR FOR ALL HOPES AND REBIRTH!

Team Alstare Suzuki World SBK riders Leon Haslam and Sylvain Guintoli made the their UK debut last Thursday, as the pair took centre stage at Suzuki GB's press conference at the International Motorcycle & Scooter Show, held at the NEC in Birmingham.

It’s hard to believe that the Suzuki GSX-R is twenty-five years old! And to this end, Alstare have designed and produced a Limited Edition GSX-R1000 Suzuki to join the Japanese manufacturer celebrate the 25th anniversary of this iconic bike. This stunning one-off was first seen at the recent Milan Show and instantly drew a lot of attention.

The two day test in Portimao ended successfully for Team Suzuki Alstare, with both riders happy and positively looking forward to their next time on the bikes. Both Leon Haslam and Sylvain Guintoli put in a large number of laps and tried a variety of parts and settings and were able to give a lot of valuable feedback to the team.

The first day of the Portimao tests saw new signings Sylvain and Leon Haslam together in Suzuki Alstare colours for the very first time. Sylvain had raced the bike during the recent World Superbike race here last weekend and continued to get more familiar with the GSX-R1000 K9. Despite a sore left elbow and ankle, caused by the crash last Sunday in the warm-up, Leon soon got on the pace and started to understand his new bike.

Suzuki Alstare has opened up their two day tests in Portimao this week and most of the top teams will now be in attendance.
It will be a chance to see many, if not all, the new riders working with their new teams for the first time in the first of pre-2010 season tests and so far, 22 riders have signed up for the two days.

The last round of this year’s Superbike Championship at Portimao, did not go exactly to plan for Yukio Kagayama or new boy Sylvain Guintoli. Neither finished the first race, but Sylvain did manage a tenth place in race two, with Yukio just behind in eleventh. But it was encouraging to see how quickly and easily Sylvain has become part of the team and that bodes well for the tests on Tuesday and Wednesday this week and the future.

Suzuki Alstare new boy Sylvain Guintoli continued his steeping learn curve today at Portimao and managed to secure a superb third row grid position after posting the fifth fastest time in Superpole 1. Although he couldn’t progress any further than Superpole 2, Sylvain showed that he has quickly come to grips with his GSX-R1000 K9 and will undoubtedly go even faster once he has become more familiar with the bike.

Team Suzuki Alstare riders Yukio Kagayama and new boy Sylvain Guintoli ended the first day of practice and qualifying with the 11th and 22nd fastest laps respectively. Yukio suffered rear suspension problems, but is confident that he and the team will improve the bike tomorrow so that he can attack Superpole and be in a good position for Sunday’s races.

Yukio joined Alstare in 2005 and since then has taken part in 116 races for them. 2005 was a superb year for him and team mate Troy Corser, who went on to take the title - Suzuki’s first in World Superbike history. Yukio finished fifth that year, but with a bit more luck, it would’ve been higher.
Yukio is known as one of World Superbike’s toughest competitors and is renowned for his determination and aggression on the track. Away from the track though, he is one of the nicest guys around and always ready for a bit of fun. When he joined Alstare, he immediately became part of the ‘family’’, choosing to live close to the workshop in Belgium so that he could be fully involved on a day to day basis.
Whilst this season and last have not been the best for Yukio, his determination to succeed has never faltered and one thing is for sure... when it comes to raceday, he always gives 100%. Suzuki Alstare would like to thank Yukio for his hard work and effort throughout the five years and wish him all the best in the BSB next year.

Just two days after the last round of this year’s Superbike World Championship in Portimao, Suzuki Alstare begin their preparation for 2010 with two days of tests at their Portuguese circuit. New signings Sylvain Guintoli and Leon Haslam will have two days with the team before the winter tests later this year.