Valentino Rossi is well known to compete in Rally events between MotoGP seasons, but it looks like Loris Capirossi (and Suzuki team manager Paul Denning) want in on some rally action also. They are competing this weekend in the Suzuki-sponsored Tempest Rally in Hampshire, in England. Presumably Capirossi has a child’s booster seat for the race to enable him to see over the dashboard and through the windscreen – as the picture above during the practice sessions looks like you can barely see the top of his head.

The Suzuki Swifts that that pair will be driving – with Capirossi’s car sporting his distinctive racing number of 65 – are based on a standard 1586cc, 123bhp Swift Sport with small changes made to the vehicle to cope with the rigours of off-road driving, plus the addition of all the safety features needed to compete in a rally.

The Rizla Suzuki MotoGP duo will get underway in the 13 stage rally at 09.00hrs GMT on Saturday 8th November, when both will be looking to give a good account of themselves as they compete in their own rally within a rally for the glory of being the highest placed driver from the MotoGP team.

Loris Capirossi:
“It has been really good fun today and I have enjoyed the test day. The car is great fun to drive, and I’m really looking forward to Saturday. Today we only played, but at the weekend we will need to be careful because we have 13 difficult stages and it will be very different to the test we had today which was in a very controlled environment. It’s completely different to what I’m used to, as this is the first rally for me on loose surfaces, but the car is very well set up and easy to control. I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to compete in the Tempest Rally, and I appreciate the support that Suzuki has provided to ensure that I have the best possible car and I want to say thank-you to them for giving me the chance to drive in the rally. We will have to see what happens on Saturday – but for sure I want to beat Paul!”

Paul Denning – Team Manager:
“I would like to thank Suzuki for the opportunity for both Loris and myself to compete in the Tempest Rally. The performance of the Suzuki Swift car is very impressive, and after only a few laps, I was able to develop confidence and understand its limits. During the session, there were fewer obstacles than in the rally itself, which meant that we could be more aggressive, but when it comes to the rally, we will have to take it a lot easier! It has been extremely valuable to have had time in the car, and to realise what a good package it is.”

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