Suzuki: 'American Express' Kenny Roberts Jr. Wins Malaysian GP

19 April 1999

    SEPANG, Malaysia, April 18 -- Team Suzuki rider Kenny Roberts
Jr. claimed his first Grand Prix win -- and Suzuki's first for four seasons --
in totally dominant style at the opening round of the FIM World Championship
Road Racing Series.
    The 25-year-old American, son of Grand Prix legend Kenny Roberts, started
from the front row of the grid and took control on the second of 21 laps of
the magnificent new Malaysian GP circuit.
    From then on, as other riders struggled in the blazing 32 degrees Celsius
heat, he drew away inexorably, opening up a commanding lead of almost 10
seconds so that he was able to play it safe to the finish.  On the final lap,
looking over his shoulder to see a completely empty track, he shook his head
in disbelief. "I can still hardly believe it now," Roberts said.
    This was Suzuki's first win since Daryl Beattie defeated Doohan at the
German GP in 1995 and comes after a concerted effort to regain their former
position.  Suzuki last won the World Championship with rider Kevin Schwantz in
1993.
    It also was the first win for the Roberts family since Kenny Roberts Sr.
won the San Marino GP in 1983.  Roberts Sr. was the 500cc World Champion in
1978, 1979 and 1980.  "KR JR" is the only American rider currently competing
in the premier 500cc Grand Prix World Championship.

    KENNY ROBERTS -- First Place:  "I was the best prepared I've ever been,
after spending the whole winter with Dean Miller in the gym, and all our good
tests as the bike was developed.  Mentally it was easier than I expected, once
I got a cushion.  My goal for this year is to try and win the championship and
be the best rider in the world.  And today I was."

    Results:  1 - Kenny Roberts (SUZUKI) 44:56.033
              2 - C Checa (Yamaha) plus 4-279 seconds
              3 - A Criville (Honda) 4.780