New Zealander Ben Townley has arrived in Europe this week to begin testing and training for the 2016 MXGP championship with the factory Suzuki World MXGP team.

The former MX2 World Champion flew into Belgium before heading to Benicassim, Spain, to begin testing with teammate Kevin Strijbos and Suzuki World MXGP MX2 contender Bas Vaessen.

“It’s my first time down here in Benicassim and I’m really liking it,” said Townley. “The team has been training here for a week now and it’s great that I can join them. I like being able to ride with my teammates – I’ve known Kevin since my first year in Europe and we get along fine. This is also a great chance to get to know the younger guys.”

Following a number of years aboard Hondas, the 30-year-old already feels comfortable aboard his new Suzuki, making improvements within days with the arrival of additional parts for the team to test.

“I really feel like this bike fits me so well and I have a lot of fun riding it,” he added. “I’ve been able to test a few more things since I arrived and that has improved the bike even more for me.”

The testing session in Spain was also the first time that Townley worked together with team manager Stefan Everts. Townley looks forward to gaining valuable feedback from the 10-time world champion.

“I’m looking forward to working with Stefan,” Townley added. “I’m curious as to what he has to say about my riding and how he thinks it is going. My speed still needs to come-up a little, so I’ve got a few areas to work on in the coming weeks.”

Townley will make his Suzuki debut at the Hawkstone Park International in the UK on 7 February before gearing up for the 2016 MXGP season opening round in Qatar on 27 February.