Suzuki's GSX-R European Cup kicks off the 2006 season at Valencia in Spain on 21-23 April as a thrilling support series to the rejuvenated World Superbike championship and a fitting celebration of the Suzuki GSX-R750's 21st birthday. After the inaugural season in 2005, Team Suzuki GB - the British entry into the six-round 2006 GSX-R European Cup - has now been announced with fresh impetus in the young team.
Two riders - Rob Barber and Magnus Houston - make a welcome return to the team, with both hoping to build on the circuit knowledge and experience gained in last year's championship. Barber and Houston are joined for 2006 by a famous racing name: William Dunlop, son of road racing ace, Robert, and nephew of 26-time TT winner and five-time Formula One world champion, the late Joey Dunlop.
William, 20, is regarded as great prospect and has already competed in both short circuit and real road racing. He has also impressed the management of the Rizla Suzuki British Superbike team following a test on a race-prepared GSX-R1000 last year.
"The GSX-R Cup is all about finding fresh new talent on the world's most iconic sportsbike," commented Suzuki GB's sales and marketing director, Nick Palmer. "The original GSX-R750 was launched in 1985 which, coincidentally, is the year William Dunlop was born."
Palmer continued: "With Rob and Magnus using their knowledge and experience from last season, we have three young riders from all corners of the UK capable of challenging at the front and we wish them every success for the 2006 season."
2006 Suzuki GSX-R European Cup calendar:21-23 April: Valencia, Spain
5-7 May: Monza, Italy
26-28 May: Silverstone, GB
23-25 June: Misano, Italy
8-10 Sept: Eurospeedway Lausitz, Germany
6-8 Oct: Magny-Cours, France
Related Linkswww.suzuki-racing.co.uk
