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MotoGP News (2006)
Azuma In Suzuki Swap
16/11/2006
Former 125cc rider and Bridgestone MotoGP Field Engineer for the Suzuki team, Masao Azuma, was given a rare opportunity to swap his laptop for his leathers when he was given John Hopkins Suzuki GSV-R 990cc GP bike to ride at the Valencia Circuit in Spain at the beginning of November.
Just a few days after Bridgestone dominated the Valencia GP with Ducati riders Troy Bayliss and Loris Capirossi taking an emotional 1-2, Azuma was let loose on some Bridgestone rubber for a few laps of the track on the bike that took John Hopkins to four front row starts and six top six race results in 2006.
35-year-old Azuma himself has a commendable pedigree, having scored ten race victories on Bridgestone tyres in 125cc between 1996 and 2003, as well as a close second at Valencia back in 2000, just 0.4s from the race winner. His CV boasts a string of top five championship results with a career best of third place in 1999.
He said of his MotoGP experience:“It was a great opportunity for me to ride the Suzuki GSV-R at Valencia after the race weekend was over. I rode John’s bike and he is much bigger than me with longer arms and legs, so that made it difficult to control the machine, but that didn't stop me.”
Having provided the Suzuki team with invaluable tyre advice and guidance this season, Azuma was quick to praise the performance of the multi race-winning Bridgestone tyres.
“The engine power was not too far from what I expected. Having now tried the bike myself, I can also say from experience that the Bridgestone tyres are perfect!” he said.
“I am older than when I last rode in the 125cc class, but to have the chance to ride the Suzuki MotoGP bike in Valencia was a really good experience for me and I thoroughly enjoyed it.”
His short ride around Valencia proved that he has lost none of that racing spirit but as testing resumes in Sepang this week, it will be the Suzuki team who benefit from the Azuma magic.
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