Crescent Suzuki has concluded its pre-season testing in Spain and Portugal with Alex Lowes and Randy de Puniet completing a successful four days’ work.

After the difficult conditions endured at Portimao, the two days spent at the Jerez de la Frontera circuit proved well timed, with dry and sunny conditions allowing a detailed testing schedule for both Lowes and de Puniet’s latest specification Suzuki GSX-R1000s.

Jerez saw the team work with suspension provider Ohlins on new front fork and rear shock settings, implement a new engine-brake strategy to improve corner-entry consistency, further evaluate the new 2015 specification Yoshimura engine and exhaust system, and work on general balance settings for braking stability and turning to discover the GSX-R’s best performance over race distance.

The test saw Lowes complete over 170 laps of the Andalucían asphalt, de Puniet totalling 140, with competitive stints set during both detailed setting and longer runs. The British racer posted the test’s second fastest lap on race tyres, a 1.41.0, and improved further to a 1.40.1 on a qualifying Pirelli, to leave him sixth quickest on the sheets. His French teammate concluded the test in ninth position overall after posting 1’40.977 – despite an earlier high-side curtailing much of his afternoon’s work - and both Suzuki racers remain eager and determined for the season ahead.

Alex Lowes: “I’m really happy with the testing over the past four days. The team is working really well and we did a good job overall with our consistency and speed. I’m working hard to improve my approach to testing and the technical development, and I think we put in a very solid, consistent performance here at Jerez. I rode a lot of laps and most importantly I enjoyed every one! I took a decent step on the qualifying tyre but it was still within the target of “no mistakes” and no risks. Huge thanks to all the boys for their efforts and I really can’t wait for Phillip Island and race one.”

Randy de Puniet: “Portugal was not so good due to the weather conditions and I only managed 35 dry laps on the last day, it was enough to learn the track but not to be fast, but I think for the race it will be ok - it’s a nice track but not easy! Jerez was much better with two good days, until this afternoon! I had a high-side at turn one, with a strange feeling in the rear tyre after leaving the pits, so we lost time and a little confidence so we just tried to continue to work on the bike to regain the feeling. Overall the test was quite good, I just need to continue to work to adapt my riding style to the GSX-R but I think we have a good pace and with a little more improvement in Australia we will be ready to fight for a good position.”