BBC TV gets world exclusive ride on new GSV-R - March 23rd 2007

Rizla Suzuki MotoGP has granted the BBC an exclusive ride on the all-new 800cc Suzuki GSV-R prototype race bike, and the outcome will be aired ahead of the Jerez Grand Prix this Sunday.

BBC's MotoGP commentator Steve Parrish has ridden Suzuki's new 800cc machine around the 4.4km Jerez circuit. He becomes the very first person, outside of a team, to ride one of the new generation bikes, which have come into force this season, rather than the 990cc bikes of previous years.

The lap of the Jerez track featuring Parrish and John Hopkins' Number 21 race machine will be shown on BBC2 from 12.30 on Sunday 25th March, just before Hopkins and team-mate Chris Vermeulen take to the circuit for the race. For those not able to access BBC's coverage of the event it will be on this website from next week in the free and easy to use video section.

Steve Parrish - BBC TV;

"It was an absolute privilege to ride John Hopkins' bike and I can now appreciate why this year's lap times are already faster than those from last season.

"No one expected the bikes to be this good. However, these new generation machines are a beautifully balanced package, as opposed to the tire shredding 990's.

"I'm sure the 800's will just get faster and faster over the season, as the teams continue to develop the bikes. The GSV-R felt fantastic thanks Rizla Suzuki MotoGP!"