The Bennetts Suzuki team has completed the first of two scheduled pre-season tests in southern Spain, after spending four days at Cartagena as preparations continue for the 2016 MCE British Superbike Championship.

The test was the first opportunity for Tommy Bridewell and Ryuichi Kiyonari to properly assess the potential of their GSX-R1000 superbikes, after the duo completed a brief shakedown test at Brands Hatch in February.

Four days on track gave both the riders and the team plenty to do, with multiple setup options and components tried and tested, and everyone came away feeling positive and satisfied with the work carried out.

Tommy Bridewell, 

"This test has been mega, really positive. The first day was just me learning the bike, but we got straight to work from day two onwards. We just chucked stuff at the bike, and experimented with forks, swingarms, geometry, everything. We're learning lots but I've really gelled with the bike. The Suzuki's chassis is so good, and so comfortable, and it's good to be back on one. We've got lots more to try at Guadix, and want to back-to-back test a few things, but I'm really enjoying riding the GSX-R and almost feel ready to go and race at Silverstone already."

Ryuichi Kiyonari, 

"This has been a good test, and I had a good feeling from the first day. We tried some different setups, Tommy tried some different components, so we're working together to get the best setup and configuration possible. At the next test I will try some more components too and work on getting a good base setting."

Team Owner Martin Halsall, 

"We've had a really good few days here. There's a great atmosphere in the Bennetts Suzuki team and everyone's feeling positive and excited about the season. We've tried lots already here at Cartagena, and will be testing even more again at Guadix in a few days time. But Tommy and Kiyo both feel comfortable already, and it's good to see them both enjoying riding their bikes again, and see them with a smile on their faces. We'll all keep working hard at the next test now to improve on the work from here."

The team will now head to Guadix for its second Spanish test, before heading back to the UK and continuing preparations for the 2016 season.