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Guidotti confident of Suzuki turnaround in 2010

The 2009 season was one to forget for Suzuki Alstare. Max Neukirchner's injury at Monza and the downward spiralling form of Yukio Kagayama forced the Francis Batta-managed team into a secondary role, and the other riders who alternated on the bike also found it difficult to make much progress during the season.

Not everything was negative however, underlined Giacomo Guidotti, the team's technical director, currently in his sixth year with Suzuki (in photo with Neukirchner). The season was useful in understanding the real limits of the 2009 version of the GSX-R 1000 and to set up a direct working link with the Japanese manufacturer with the aim of once again being a key player in the 2010 season.

"If we look at 2009 from the point of view of the results, it is clear that there isn't much that can be salvaged" commented Guidotti . "Everything went wrong and there was nothing we could do to improve the situation. However I have to say that we managed not to become too demoralized! We immediately realized that we could work for 2010 and this situation at least allowed us to get some advance preparation done".

What requests have been made to Suzuki?

"Nothing really radical, seeing as the bike is the same, but a series of modifications that will allow us to eliminate the problems that emerged this year, namely too much tyre wear and excessive fuel consumption. We also worked on the weight distribution and the engine's electronics".

For the first time in a couple of seasons, it seems that there will be a more direct rapport with Suzuki Japan. Is this the case?

"Yes, that's right. Suzuki has every intention to be a key player in the championship next year and the test that we are beginning tomorrow at Phillip Island is a confirmation of this. I have to admit that our requests have been quickly satisfied and i twill be our task to report back with details of how they work on track so that further modifications can be made. In my opinion this working method will be very beneficial".

What impression did you have of your new rider, Leon Haslam, in the Portimao tests?

"Really good. He works really hard, has a lot of enthusiasm and knows he's got a big chance in his hands. He's also a rider who knows how to go fast, I think he'll give us a lot of satisfaction next year".