Ray hopes to be fast learner, impress at Suzuki MotoGP test

Bradley Ray accepts he has a steep learning curve ahead on his Suzuki MotoGP test debut at Sepang but hopes to be “equally impressive” on the GSX-RR.

The Bennetts British Superbike championship rider has been gifted a special MotoGP test with Suzuki as reward for his efforts in both BSB for Buildbase Suzuki and at the Suzuka 8 Hours for Yoshimura Suzuki.

Ray will be in action on the final day of the Sepang shakedown MotoGP test (February 3) with guidance from Suzuki test rider and former team-mate Sylvain Guintoli.

The 21-year-old appreciates he’ll have plenty to get to grips with at a new track on a new bike with unfamiliar Michelin tyres and electronics but he is naturally relishing the opportunity.

“I can’t wait, obviously. I’ve been around the Grand Prix paddock before when I was doing Red Bull Rookies and the aim has always been to get back there, and, honestly, I can’t thank Suzuki enough for the opportunity,” Ray told Britishsuperbike.com.

“Not only am I testing a MotoGP bike, I’m testing one of the best on the grid, when you think it finished on the podium half of the time last year and I think [Alex] Rins was the top points-scorer in the last four races. Suzuki’s development has been really impressive since they came back.

“I’ll have to learn the circuit as I’ve not been to Sepang before, and I’ll have to get my head around the additional electronics and new tyres, but I hope I can be equally impressive and show what I can do.”

12 months ago Suzuki ran a similar special MotoGP test for road racing icon Michael Dunlop and MotoAmerica duo Toni Elias and Josh Waters.

Ray returns to BSB action this year with Buildbase Suzuki and is joined by Luke Stapleford at the Hawk Racing squad.