Rizla Suzuki MotoGP racer Loris Capirossi last week attended the international media launch of the new Bridgestone Battlax BT-016 tyre, which uses tyre technology derived directly from MotoGP.

In addition to discussing tyre technology with the specialist bike media, Capirossi completed a handful of laps of the Jerez circuit in Spain, using a Suzuki GSX-R equipped with the new BT-016 Hypersport tyres.

Under the guidance of former GP rider Jeremy McWilliams - who was working with Bridgestone to set up the bikes at the track - Capirossi impressed the attending media and Bridgestone management with his skills around the Jerez circuit, putting the BT-016 through its paces.

The BT-016 is an advanced Hypersport tyre designed to maximise the performance of sports bikes on the road. Bridgestone has combined MotoGP construction methods with its latest multi-compound technology to produce a tyre that gives high-level grip performance in braking, cornering and acceleration. This allows riders to enjoy improved handling, stability and grip – as well as longer life and lower noise.

The next time that Capirossi will be on Bridgestone tyres is when he will be piloting his awesome Rizla Suzuki GSV-R around the Jerez circuit for the second round of the 2008 MotoGP World Championship on Sunday 30th March.

Loris Capirossi:
“I have been a Bridgestone rider for many years, so it was a pleasure to join them last week in Jerez for such an important event. The BT-016 is a great tyre, and gave me a really good feeling, especially at the front, which works really well and is very stable. The rear grip is also good, and it is the first time that I feel the road tyre is similar to the race tyre. I felt immediately comfortable. I now need to get some for my own Suzuki GSX-R1000 which I use on the road!.”

Kenji Shoda - Bridgestone Europe Director Consumer Products:
“It has been a privilege to welcome MotoGP riders to our Battlax BT-016 international media launch event in Jerez, a very important occasion for Bridgestone Corporation and Bridgestone Europe. This new tyre sees us transfer tyre technology from MotoGP into road bike tyres and we are thrilled to have been able to showcase that cross-over by having some of the best riders in the world in Jerez. I would personally like to thank Loris and the Suzuki Factory for their taking time out of their busy schedules to support us.”

Rizla Suzuki