World Superbike

Qatar: Team Alstare Suzuki preview

Finally the months of waiting are over and the first round of this year's championship is about to begin in Qatar. The Losail circuit was a happy hunting ground in 2005 for Alstare when the 'dream team' of Troy Corser and Yukio Kagayama took a win ...

Edited: Feb 23, 2007, 12:23 AM

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Finally the months of waiting are over and the first round of this year's championship is about to begin in Qatar. The Losail circuit was a happy hunting ground in 2005 for Alstare when the 'dream team' of Troy Corser and Yukio Kagayama took a win apiece. Last year, Yukio was on course for a terrific victory in the first race, but was taken out by his friend Noriyuki Haga when the flag was almost in sight. Troy salvaged Alstare Suzuki Corona Extra's pride in race two with a superb win, so Qatar is regarded very positively by the team.

This year sees Team Alstare's riders Yukio Kagayama and Max Biaggi on brand new bikes and it remains to be seen if all the winter testing has paid off. Yukio knows Qatar well - in testing and race action - but Max will be experiencing it for the first time in race mode. The Roman has been out of race action for over a year, but has steadily improved with every test so far and his class cannot be denied. All the eyes of the world will be on him during this first race and expectations will be high, but whatever happens there is no doubt that Max is keen and happy to be back.

MAX BIAGGI

I am very happy to be back in racing and want to say thank you to Francis and the team for all the support they are giving me. Although Superbike is a new adventure for me, I am looking forward to it. There are many good riders here (and many have a lot of Superbike experience) so I know that my job is not going to be easy. But I'm ready for this new challenge and will give it everything I've got.

YUKIO KAGAYAMA

A new season and a new bike and I am happy to be back on the racetrack to race, instead of just testing. Of course, testing is very important (especially with a new bike) and we will see how we will go in these first races. There are many good riders in this series and I know I have to be more consistent this year if I am to have a chance of the title. My plan is to be fast, win races or take as many podiums as possible and try not to crash on a raceday!

FRANCIS BATTA (Team Manager)

We have worked hard over the winter months and we hope that the hard work will pay off. There are always some problems to be solved with a new bike and that's normal. We are very happy to have Max in our team this year and think he may surprise a few people. Yukio has the ability to do well, especially if starts the season like he finished it last year. He and Max are both determined and committed and we are all looking forward to another exciting year.

-credit: team alstare suzuki

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