Motul Pirelli Suzuki will undergo an in-depth testing program next week, putting forward the final preparations in the lead-up to the MX Nationals.

The team will form together with Cody Cooper, Todd Waters and Steven Clarke at the official series launch on Wednesday, 7 March, setting up the closing stages of their pre-season test program.

“We have increased engine power for this year as that’s what Todd looks for in the bike, plus we have found a new direction in suspension settings that Cody is also looking to try here in the coming weeks,” explained team manager Jay Foreman.

“Next week on Wednesday we’ll have the official launch of the MX Nationals in Australia, which we’ll also use as a test day out at Appin in New South Wales.

“Todd, Cody and our Lites rider ‘Scuba’ Steven Clarke will be at the event, so we’ll use the week to test and find settings for each rider.”

Part of Suzuki’s upcoming test program will be softer track surfaces, considering the series will be contested on a number of sand and soft soil-based events this year.

“One thing that we will have to focus on this year is completing more tests in sand as the series will be returning to Wanneroo in Western Australia and also Hervey Bay in Queensland during the season,” he explained.

“It will be important to get ready for those events, so that’s something that we will be working on. All in all, we have a great base to start from for this year and the Motul Pirelli Suzuki team is excited to get the ball rolling.”

Clarke is scheduled to arrive in Australia this week, marking his full time return to Motul Pirelli Suzuki for 2012 after suffering a broken wrist during Maitland’s penultimate round of Super X.

“Scuba arrives in Australia this week and we are looking forward to having him here, although he is still gaining 100 percent fitness after suffering a broken wrist during Super X here late last year,” Foreman added.

“We’re always working on development with the RM-Z250 and I’m confident Scuba will gain some great results with the bike in 2012.”

The MX Nationals will commence at Conondale in Queensland on 1 April.