Voltcom Suzuki riders Eugene Laverty and Alex Lowes will both work on the Motec electronics packages during the coming test days at Almeria before moving on to Portimao where they will go up against the rest of the World Superbike field.
New racers Laverty and Lowes will take to the southern Spanish track for two-days this week before travelling on to the Portuguese circuit for a further two-days on-board the Yoshimura-powered Suzuki GSX-Rs.
As a championship rookie, Lowes is new to both tracks, while 2013 runner-up Laverty has knowledge of both, coaching at Almeria in 2009 and standing on the podium four times at Portimao, three of which were victorious on the top step.
"The winter break was welcome following a hectic 2013 season, but now I'm itching to get going again. We had a quite tough debut test in November and so our aim at the upcoming tests is to be nearer the sharp end," said Laverty.
"My focus will be on improving our electronics package, traction control in particular. We'll begin in Almeria before moving on to Portimao where we'll face our rivals on a track where I've won during the past two seasons and that should give us an idea of where we're at. The team have been working flat out lately and they've done a fantastic job to deliver updates in a short space of time. I can't wait to get back to work on track in a few days' time."
Lowes added: "“I’m really looking forward to getting back on the bike after the winter break and working with the team to build on the progress we made at the end of last year. I really like the Voltcom Suzuki GSX-R and enjoyed it the first time I rode it. I cannot wait to start riding again and begin work in 2014. I feel comfortable already on the bike and the chassis works very well. The electronics are all new to me, because in BSB there are none and I need to continue to change my style to get the best out of the Suzuki, I know there is a lot to learn, but I’m ready for the challenge.”
Get the new issue of Bikesport News, out tomorrow, for more on Alex Lowes and the Voltcom Suzuki
