2010
Superbike World Championship
Preview:
Round 2, Autodromo do Algarve, Portimao,
Portugal - March 28th
LEON AND
SYLVAIN READY FOR PORTIMAO
After their
successes in Australia, Team Suzuki
Alstare riders Leon Haslam and Sylvain
Guintoli are looking forward to getting
back on track in Portimao and chasing more
podiums. This is the third time that the
Autodromo do Algarve is hosting a round of
the championship, though this year the
race takes place in spring instead of its
usual end of season date in autumn.
After the
opening round in Phillip Island, Leon is
leading the standings by nine points, with
Sylvain fifth, and both are determined to
do well next weekend at the 4.592
kilometre circuit. Leon was in superb form
in the preseason tests at the track in
January and Sylvain too showed that he had
become very comfortable with the 2010
GSX-R1000 Suzuki Alstare bike. Both riders
are eager to continue their attack on the
championship and also keep Suzuki at the
top of the manufacturer’s standings.
Leon
Portimao is a
fantastic circuit and probably the most
demanding one on the calendar. I think all
riders like it because it is such a
challenge and when you do a good lap
there, the feeling is fantastic.
From the very
first time I jumped onto the Suzuki I knew
that the bike could be a contender and so
far, I think we have proved that. The
whole team has given me tremendous support
and we are all now looking forward to
another good weekend in Portimao. I went
well there in the preseason tests and I
will be chasing two more podiums next
weekend for sure.
Sylvain
I am very
pleased with my start to the season and I
cannot tell you how happy and comfortable
I am with my bike. Of course, every time I
go out on it I learn a bit more, but
already I am thinking of podiums and that
is a good feeling to have.
It has been a
long break since the first race and I am
itching to get back in the saddle and
racing again. Portimao is a great track,
but very, very challenging. I think it is
one of the best ractreacks in the series
and I will be doing my very best to get on
the podium there.
