Alvaro was the surprise guest at the delivery of a special present to the Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos in Toledo yesterday.
The Spanish motorcycle organisation Lucha Motera had started a charity auction of a flag with autographs of various MotoGP riders, including Alvaro’s, which ended earlier this month. All profits from the auction went directly to the hospital. However, the winner of the auction – Easyrace, an association for amateur and professional racers – decided to give the flag to two of their associates who are currently treated in that very hospital.

Since Alvaro already has good ties to the hospital after auctioning off his gear for a final bidding price of 2.020 Euros and personally delivering the cheque, Lucha Motera asked him if he’d be the surprise guest when they bring the flag to their new owners and of course he agreed.

And a true surprise he was when he was greeted by one of the recipients with a stunned “What are you doing here?”. A quickly ensuing chat about Bati’s new endeavour in the MotoGP class, the Suzuki and more rounded off the day.

To read the full story of the visit (in Spanish) click here.

Picture by Selva Mayo.

Alvaro is really making a brandnew start this year in his racing career. It’s now been announced that he’s also changed his leather sponsor to REV’IT!, the company that sponsors fellow MotoGP rider Randy De Puniet as well.

Here’s the official press release:

Taking it to the next level. That is what Alvaro Bautista decided to do this year. 2010 Will be the first year for Alvaro Bautista to compete in the King’s Class: MotoGP. Alvaro Bautista was looking for a partner that could meet up with his wishes and demands. He found it in REV’IT!

Alvaro Bautista is no stranger in the GP. In 2002 he had his first Grand Prix debut. He started out in 125cc and then moved up to 250cc, where he also scored many podiums and victories. Last year Alvaro Bautista finished fourth in the 250cc championship. Now it is time to fight along with the big guys. Together with the official Rizla Suzuki MotoGP team, Alvaro Bautista will be fighting for the 2010 championship.

“It was very important for me to have the opportunity to work directly with a factory team. The Rizla Suzuki MotoGP team was the one that could offer this to me, so I decided to work with them.
I am very excited about upcoming season. It will be a whole new experience: new bike, new team, new championship. At this moment I am working out a lot. The bike has more power and also weighs more, so I need to be in good condition.
Like me, REV’IT! is learning and improving all the time. I am very much looking forward to be fighting for the championship in my REV’IT! leathers.”

REV’IT! is proud to announce, Alvaro Bautista will be competing in REV’IT! leathers and looks forward to working with this new MotoGP hero.

Paul Denning has been talking with motogp.com about Suzuki’s season preparations and the new GSV-R prototype for 2010.

“The development team is focusing on making the bike more adaptable and there will be some significant chassis developments, and at least one complete new design frame to test at Sepang. We’ll also be making the power delivery smoother and easier for the rider to use. The feedback [from the factory] has been positive.
It involves a lot of simulation, bench and dyno testing, because in terms of new developments you can’t really run in Japan at this time of year because of the weather or very cold temperatures, so we’ll really find out when we hit the track at Sepang.”

“I don’t think we’ll be concentrating on trying the set the world alight in terms of lap times at Sepang. It’s more about working on the bike’s weaknesses and making it more adaptable, and also to different conditions and lower temperatures. How much we’ll be able to do of that at Sepang is difficult to say, but the Suzuki factory did a lot of work before the Estoril test and that’s provided very good direction, because it was very cold there and we managed to get over some of the problems we’d had. So fingers crossed the developments will be in the right direction, but it will be the first time we’ll see the 2010 bike. We know what’s going into it in terms of development, but how that will all come together we’ll just have to wait and see when the guys ride it in February.”

“The bike was definitely better at the Estoril test than in the race. It was more rideable, easier to maintain a consistent lap time and add a bit more grip. Towards the end of the Estoril test was the first time Álvaro was starting to give detailed feedback about the bike, because until that point his job was to become accustomed to the bike.”

Denning also confirmed that for the 50th anniversary year of Suzuki’s racing activities [you can read a full feature of Suzuki's history here] the team will run a special logo to mark the milestone.

Catching up on some of the stuff that Bati’s been doing in the off-season so far we are a bit late in posting some news.

Shortly before Christmas, on December 20th, the last round of the Spanish Motocross Championship took place in Talavera de la Reina. On that occasion the Moto Club Talavera honoured both Alvaro and fellow Toledano Julian Simon with framed ceramic plates for their achievements in the world championship and their positive representation of the region.
After accepting the honours and signing autographs for the attending fans, Alvaro also took some time to talk to the press about what all the support means to him and of course recapping the 2009 season.

About the honour
“Julito and I are two local guys who’ve taken the name of Castilla-La Mancha with us to the highest level and it makes us proud that people recognize us. It is difficult to be “a prophet in your own land”, but here we have a lot of support and we feel closely wrapped in by our people. When you travel out of home this much, you still know the people are here, that they are supporting you and you can feel their passion.”

About 2009 and the Suzuki
“It’s been a strange year [...], in the end bad luck has been a steady companion. But I can say that I’ve given the maximum, I tried to fight until the end, but it was a bit like all or nothing and I got nothing.
But I prefer to focus on the future now, with the Suzuki I still have to learn a lot, I still need to improve and get a bit better every day. I want to start the first race of the year at 100% although there are only very few tests this year and this makes it complicated. But in general I am very satisfied with how things are going and I want to get to highest level possible before the first race.
The Suzuki is a bike that I enjoyed riding a lot during the tests which were mostly for getting used to it, instead of trying to find the limit. I am happy with the decision I took [to sign with Suzuki] and hopefully I can remain happy, like I was all throughout those tests.”

Apart from his appearance at this little ceremony, Alvaro also participated in the traditional New Year’s run in Talavera, on December 31st with the start at exactly 12AM. Alvaro appropriately carried the number 1 and finished the distance of about six kilometers in 26min 20sec which put him in the top 10% of the about 3000 participants.

And Alvaro received yet another award from the Federación Extremeña de motociclismo for his achievements. He was supposed to get the award at their annual Gala de Motociclismo in Miajadas last Saturday, but unfortunately a clash of schedule left him unable to attend the ceremony. Instead, his father Javier picked the prize up for him.

Top picture by fcmm.net

Following our earlier feature on the history of Suzuki in MotoGP we now bring you an overview of the brandnew team that Bati will be working with this season. And let it be said beforehand: It is a BIG team. If you thought that the five mechanics Bati had in 250cc were many, you have seen nothing yet.
Meet the Rizla Suzuki team 2010 and say Hello to Bati’s side of the garage.

Not counting the teammembers in Loris’ box there are all in all 21 people responsible for Bati’s needs or the team on a whole, 7 of them working for Alvaro alone. The majority of them are the same who’ve previously been working for Chris Vermeulen.
These are the faces you need to know in 2010 (for a better overview we’ve also done a fancy face collage for you, not to be confused with a Most Wanted list).

Team organisation:

• Shinichi Sahara, project manager: This is the man responsible for Suzuki’s racing operation. He’s been with the team for many years and only recently stepped up into this position.
• Paul Denning, team manager: The man you will see on screen the most whenever someone wants to know anything about the team, he is practically our new Jorge Martinez. The man responsible for getting Bati signed. A man we like. ;D
• Russel Jordan, Parts and Logistics manager: Someone you’ll rarely see as he works mostly behind the scenes. Responsible for getting all the team’s equipment from A to B and making sure that everything’s there what’s needed.
• Charlie Moody, operations manager: Another face from behind the scenes you’ll probably rarely see. But watch out for the 70s hairstyle when you’re in the paddock.
• Helen Taylor, team administrator: The only woman in the crew. Someone’s gotta keep all those guys in line.
• Tim Walpole, press and PR officer: A fansite’s best friend, because he’s the man responsible for all the press releases, official interviews and pictures to be published. We already love him lots.

Bati’s boys:

• Tom O’Kane, crew chief: Alvaro’s main go-to-guy for everything concerning the bike. This is the man who gets the Suzuki adjusted exactly to Bati’s needs and translates his input to make it the best bike possible.
• Simon Westwood, crew leader: A former motorcylce racer himself, he coordinates all the crew in Bati’s part of the garage.
• Renato Penacchio, data analyst
• Tsutomu Matsugano, technician
• Ray Hughes, technician: Among other things he’s also the man responsible for Bati’s pitboard.
• Mark Fleming, truck driver and technician: Yep, Alvaro got his very own truck driver now!
• ECU Control Assistance: Still to be named

Tech Support:

• Richard Francis, Sub-Assemblies Manager
• Tetsuya Sasaki, Chassis Development
• Engine Builder – Still to be named
• Takayuki Nakamoto, Engine Development/Control

Parts Support:

• Dirk Debus, 2D Electronics
• Yukihiko Kubo, Bridgestone tyres
• Graeme Irvine, Öhlins suspension
• Eugenio Gandolfi, Brembo Brakes

With Alvaro moving not only to a new class and a new team, but also a new manufacturer after spending almost his entire MotoGP career with Aprilia, we’d like to give you a few features on Alvaro’s new employer Suzuki. We start with the history of Suzuki in the MotoGP class.

Suzuki is one of the manufacturers that is present in Grand Prix racing the longest, being on the scene since 1960 – making Bati’s first year with the team their 50th anniversary. In those years Suzuki has won seven manufacturer titles and six rider titles, courtesy of some of the most popular legendary riders like Barry Sheene and Kevin Schwantz.

Barry Sheene was probably the brightest light of his generation, often referred to as “the early Valentino Rossi”, since he was the first rider in the Grand Prix scene to be probably as popular for his charisma and charme off track as he was for his undeniable talent and excellent results on track.

The man with Donald Duck on his helmet was part of the first works team Suzuki entered in the 500cc Grand Prix World Championship, back in 1974. He was joined by Jack Findlay, both riding the Suzuki RG500. In the first year a second place in the first round by Sheene stayed the best result of the season, but a pole-to-finish win by Barry Sheene at the Dutch TT 1975 finally brought the team their first win with Sheene finishing the season 6th overall and adding another win to the tally.

The Sheene-Suzuki star continued to rise as Barry Sheene won the 500cc title in 1976 with a total of five wins and successfully defended the crown in 1977, this time with six race victories along the way. Teammate Steve Parrish finished the season in fifth place.

In 1978, using the new Suzuki RGA, Sheene finished 2nd in the championship behind Kenny Roberts, with two wins. Team mate Wil Hartog also had two wins and was 4th overall. Riding the new Suzuki RGB in the 1979 championship, Suzuki riders Virginio Ferrari, Barry Sheene and Wil Hartog finished 2nd, 3rd and 4th behind Yamaha rider Kenny Roberts, securing the manufacturer’s title.

Randy Mamola joined Suzuki in 1980 and finished the season in 2nd, his teammate Marco Lucchinelli ending the year in 3rd. But already a year later Marco Lucchinelli became the 500cc World Champion, riding the new Suzuki RG-Gamma.

Marco Lucchinelli left Suzuki to join Honda in 1982, but was replaced by Franco Uncini who went on to win the World Championship with five victories along the way. Unfortunately Uncini was severely injured at the 1983 Assen TT and not able to defend his title. Partly due to the consequences of that incident Suzuki withdrew its works support at the end of the season.

After three years away from Grand Prix, Suzuki returned in 1987 with factory supported entries. While it was not a full time return, Suzuki riders Takumi Itoh and Kevin Schwantz took some good results. Following this, Suzuki made a full return in 1988 where Kevin Schwantz took two wins.

The following years Schwantz slowly worked his way up the ranks and towards his world title, finishing the 1989 season in 4th place despite six race wins, taking the runner-up spot in 1990 with five wins, and another five wins see him finish 1991 in 3rd, then only one win in 1992 relegates him further back to finish 4th again.
But in 1993 Schwantz finally takes the 500cc world championship title with Suzuki, scoring four race wins.
Schwantz’ teammates in those years all finished inside the Top 6, proving the Suzuki to be a more than competitive package.

In 1994 Kevin Schwantz is not able to defend the title and finishes the season in 4th with 2 wins. Early in the 1995 season he announces his retirement from competitive racing. Suzuki’s other rider Daryl Beattie finishes the season runner-up with two race wins. Those will remain the last Suzuki wins for quite some time.

Daryl Beattie is joined in 1996 by Scott Russell. While Russell finished the season sixth, Beattie suffered serious injuries in pre-season and did not manage to get back to his previous form, finishing the year in 18th.
1997 holds more of the same for the team with Daryl Beattie finishing the season in 11th while Anthony Gobert is 15th. A 5th-place finish by Beattie is the team’s best result of the season.
Trying to turn things around, Suzuki entered an all Japanese riders lineup in 1998 with Nobuatsu Aoki and Katsuaki Fujiwara. But bad fortune strikes again as Fujiwara gets injured during pre-season tests and Aoki is left alone. He finishes 9th for the season with a best result of 4th place.

With the signing of Kenny Roberts Jr. in 1999, fortune is about to change for Suzuki. Joining Nobuatsu Aoki, Roberts Jr. takes Suzuki’s first victory in four years and adding three more wins throughout the season he finishes runner-up in the championship with Aoki in 13th.
In 2000 Kenny Roberts Jr. becomes the 500cc World Champion with a total of four victories, Aoki was 10th overall. This was Suzuki’s last championship title to this day.

The latter part of Suzuki’s history inside MotoGP has been full of ups and downs. Even though Suzuki began the millennium on a high note with Kenny Roberts Jr. being the last man to win the 500cc title before the “Rossi era”, after the 2000 season Suzuki has been struggling to become a true contender in the 500cc/MotoGP class.

After Roberts Jr.’s championship year, Sete Gibernau joined the team, riding the Suzuki RGV500. However, results where nowhere near the ones from a season past. Gibernau scored on win, but finished 9th in the championship with Roberts Jr. down in a lowly 11th position.

In 2002, the debut year of the new MotoGP class, Kenny Roberts, Jr. and Sete Gibernau ride the new Suzuki GSV-R four-stroke. A long win drought is about to start. The team’s best result is a 3rd place by Roberts Jr. at the Brazilian Grand Prix. Season end results: Roberts Jr. in 9th, Gibernau in 16th.

While Gibernau leaves the team for Honda and goes on to challenge Rossi all throughout the season, John Hopkins joins Kenny Roberts Jr. in 2003. After a crash at the Italian GP Roberts Jr. is forced to miss three races, Hopkins’ best result is a 7th place at the Spanish GP. Both riders finish the year outside the Top 15.
And more of the same the following year. With the same rider line-up and both of them again finishing the season outside the Top 15, the only change for the team is a switch from Michelin to Bridgestone tyres.
In 2005 we see the same yet again. Roberts Jr. manages to at least end the Suzuki podium drought with a 2nd place in the wet British GP, but he still only finishes the year – his last with Suzuki – in 13th position, Hopkins is one behind in 14th.

Hopkins stays while Roberts Jr. is replaced by Aussie Chris Vermeulen in 2006 – the man whose seat is now taken by Alvaro. Vermeulen manages a good first year, bringing Suzuki a 2nd place finish at his home GP in Phillip Island. Regardless, the team’s overall result is still disappointing: 10th and 11th for Hopkins and Vermeulen while in the team standings Rizla Suzuki only comes in 5th, a devastating 140 points behind 4th placed satellite team Fortuna Honda.

With the same rider lineup, things looked to improve considerably in the team for 2007 when another rule regulation changed the engine capacity yet again after 2002. With the 800cc Suzuki GSV-R Chris Vermeulen took Suzuki’s first win since the advent of four-stroke regulations at the French GP and finished the season in a promising 6th place while John Hopkins even moved up to 4th with four podium positions along the way. Suzuki still only ranks 4th in the manufacturers’ standings, but a promising 3rd in the teams’ classification.

Unfortunately the following two seasons should not repeat or even improve these results. In 2008 Loris Capirossi replaces John Hopkins, but fails to match his previous performances inside the MotoGP class. The Italian racing veteran finishes the season only in 10th place, but with a highlight of a 3rd place podium finish at the Czech GP, his last MotoGP GP podium to date.
Vermeulen drops in the rankings to 8th overall, but brings home back-to-back podium finishes at Sachsenring and Laguna Seca. Suzuki still ranks 4th overall in the constructors’ classification while Rizla Suzuki slips to 5th in the teams’ rankings.
2009 sees this trend continue, with not one podium finish for Chris Vermeulen and Loris Capirossi and an overall rather frustrating season for the team.

After the disappointing last few years, things shall change next season. The comparatively weak Suzuki package is getting a few improvements for 2010. Even if it might not be the most competitive package from the start, it should be at least a more competitive one than it had been in the last years. And with the signing of a young and hungry rider like Alvaro, the team is determined to make a fresh start and get Rizla Suzuki on the winning ways again. We hope for the best.

Suzuki’s motorcycle operations are based at Hamamatsu in Japan, with the MotoGP team’s headquarters now residing at Verwood in Dorset, England – also the home of the Rizla Suzuki British Superbike team.