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FastDates.com
January 2005
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World
Superbike Girl Chandi Mason is back to heat things
up in the 2005 Fast Dates Calendar
& Members Corner!
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Loris
in action on the new GP5 Desmosedici at Sepang.
MotoGP
Official Tests, Sepang Malayasia, January 23-25th
DESMOSEDICI
GP5 DEBUT ENDS SEPANG MOTO GP TESTING WITH RECORD TIME
From the snows of
Madonna di Campiglio to the sweltering heat of Malaysia,
Loris Capirossi sets Record Times for
the Ducati Desmosedici as
the 2005 MotoGP Season Fires Up at Sepang
Sepang (Malaysia) 25 January 2005: Team
Ducati's Loris Capirossi sets quickest
time at 2m00.54s during the official MotoGP team three-day
tests at the Sepang track in Malaysia, the Italian devistating
the Malaysian circuit's official pole record by 1.3 seconds.
Capirossi set the unofficial fastest time each day of the
tests for three consecutive days. His unofficial fastest
time for the third consecutive day was followed by Honda
rider and last year’s championship runner-up Sete
Gibernau with a time of 2’01.21.
The
Ducati Marlboro Team ended the three-day test session at
the Malaysian circuit with smiles all around from the results
of the development work on the new Desmosedici GP5. The
team leave Sepang with the knowledge that they are heading
in the right direction, even though there is still a lot
of work to be done in view of the difficult championship
that lies ahead. The only regret was the forced absence
of Carlos Checa, who had to remain in bed
all day with a high temperature and a massive headache.
| "These
were three positive days, especially because we were
able to get down to some real testing" declared
Loris Capirossi. "We worked methodically on the
suspension settings and tyres and managed to find the
right balance. I'm very satisfied with the latest technical
innovations: the chassis, the swing-arm and the ECU
have all made improvements to the Desmosedici. Bridgestone
tyre development is continuing non-stop and in the next
test session at Sepang we will be concentrating on the
rear tyre to further improve duration over a race distance,
which is already quite good. |
 |
In
any case, irrespective of the times we set, we have to continue
along this path without getting all carried away. But I
have to admit that it's great to be competitive!"
Team
maye carlos Checa had to stay back at the hotel with a head
cold on the final day of testing, "I had intended to
get back out on the track again, but my headache was still
giving me problems and sadly I had to stay in the hotel.""Loris
did a great job and I can't wait to return to Sepang in
a couple of weeks to finally get a chance to ride my Ducati."
"This
was a positive test", declared Livio Suppo, MotoGP
project manager. "The GP5 seems to have started off
well and the Bridgestone tyres have already proved themselves
to be at an excellent level both in race and qualifying
set-up. It was a real pleasure to see a smile back on Loris's
face again and watch him ride in the way only he knows how!
It was a pity about Carlos, but I am sure that he will be
OK for the next tests and will return to Sepang with even
more determination. A big thanks to all of our partners,
and in particular to Shell Advance, who are allowing us
to obtain these results".
Loris Capirossi 2m00.54s
YAMAHA
MEN COMPLETE SUCCESSFUL SEPANG TEST
The Gauloises Yamaha Team rounded off the final day with
another set of good lap-times from factory team riders Valentino
Rossi and Colin Edwards. The two
team-mates and their crews were satisfied with the work
completed over the three days and will now head home for
a short rest beforethey also return to Sepang in just over
two weeks to continue the busy winter testing schedule.
World
Champion Rossi and Yamaha new-recruit Edwards both completed
long runs on their 2005-specification YZR-M1s this afternoon
and also spent time testing different tyres for Michelin.
Rossi completed 45 laps and improved from yesterday with
the third fastest lap of the day in a time of 2’01.36.
He was followed by Honda team-mates Nicky Hayden (2’01.68)
and Max Biaggi (2’01.91) with Edwards sixth fastest
after 43 laps and a best time of 2’01.93.
Valentino
Rossi, (2’01.36, 45 laps)
“I am very happy with this test, especially today.
It’s been a very important test with the new bike,
and we’ve done some good work. We did quite a few
laps together today and the bike felt really good, as did
the tyres. We’ve improved from the race last year
and from the last test in November, which is encouraging.
We still have a lot of things to test with the new bike
and a lot of work to do, but we are looking forward to another
good test next month.”
Colin
Edwards (2’01’93, 43 laps)
“Today was good. I did a long run of laps in the hottest
part of the day, and the wind had changed so all the brake
markers were different! It took me a couple of laps to readjust
and I made a few mistakes, but once I got settled I kept
a good pace and it all felt okay. I’m leaving here
on a positive note and I’m pleased with what we’ve
achieved. I can’t wait to come back and hopefully
carry on the good work!”
The
three-day MotoGP test ended on a high note for HRC and the
Honda RC211V riders. HRC staff engineers achieved all he
objectives set for the test asthey prepare to build the
205 versions of he V5 990cc grand prix machine. ”The
data we have gathered from this test will be used to finalise
the2005 specifications of the RC211V.” Said the content
HRC Managing Director Satoru Horiike.
SETE
GIBERNAU IS QUICKEST IN THE HONDA CAMP
The Repsol Honda team spent their day confirming all they
had learned from the technical aspect of the test, and competing
extensive Michelin tyre testing. Nicky Hayden
put in a grueling 99-laps during the day testing a range
of new tyres running both short stints and endurance tests.
Hayden’s
teammate, Italian Max Biaggi confirmed
the variety of engine and chassis improvements HRC have
made before concentrating on testing tyres. Biaggi was pleased
with the results and is looking forward to returning to
Sepang with the 2005 RC211V.
Sete
Gibernau (Telefonica MoviStar Honda) finished testing
all the new components HRC had brought to Sepang and left
for home very satisfied with the test: 2m 01.325s- 61 laps:
“We have done a good job evaluating the parts HRC
brought here for us to test. HRC needed to evaluate the
parts before building the 2005 RC211V. I was able to do
many laps at 2m02s and a few inside 2m01s.this test also
helped us understand why we had such a bad race at this
track last year.”
Teammate
Marco Melandri ended the test in buoyant
mood. The young Italian tested different geometry on his
RCV with both 2004 Michelin tyres and the latest rubber
from the French manufacturer. He finished the test happier
with his performance at Sepang than ever before.
Camel
Honda riders Alex Barros and Troy
Bayliss worked in harmony during the morning with
Barros sharing his vast experience of the Honda RC211V with
his new to Honda teammate Bayliss. Despite incurring severe
neck cramp early in the day Barros was satisfied with his
test results. Bayliss ended the session a much happier man
than he was on the first two days of the test. The Australian
slashed 1.3s off his best time of yesterday and is now looking
forward to returning to Sepang for the next HRC test in
two weeks time.
Konica
Minolta rider Makoto Tamada was the happiest
of the RCV riders. The Japanese rider gets more comfortable
on the machine fitted with Michelin tyres each time he takes
the bike out onto the track.
Testing
times - Day 3
Loris Capirossi (Ducati): 2'00.54
Sete Gibernau (Honda): 2'01.325
Valentino Rossi (Gauloises Yamaha Team): 2'01.36
Nicky Hayden (Honda): 2'01.68
Max Biaggi (Honda): 2'01.91
Alex Barros (Honda): 2'01.90
Colin Edwards (Gauloises Yamaha Team): 2'01.93
Marco Melandri (Honda): 2'02.10
Troy Bayliss (Honda): 2'02.69
Toni Elías (Fortuna Yamaha Tech3); 2'02.80
Makoto Tamada (Honda): 2'02.80
Rubén Xaus (Fortuna Yamaha Tech3): 2'04.00
Team
Ducati's Desmosedici Kicks off
MotoGP 3-Day Sepang Tests with Record Times
Sepang, Jan 23rd: The MotoGP winter testing
programme resumed at the 5.548km Sepang circuit in Malaysia
with the majority of world championship teams taking part
in three-day test. In the sweltering Malaysian heat (temperatures
of up to 35°C but with bearable humidity levels of 38%),
the factory teams from Honda, Yamaha, Ducati and Suzuki
all began setting up their new 2005 bikes for the track.
Ducati
Marlboro Team engineers were setting up the new Desmosedici
GP5 machine for its first track appearance of 2005, while
Loris Capirossi and Carlos Checa were able to get back into
the swing of testing after the winter break. Loris and Carlos
began the Desmosedici GP5 three-day test schedule, completing
46 and 39 laps respectively. At the end of the day Capirossi
had notched up an extraordinary time of 2m02.18s while Checa,
despite still suffering from the injury he picked up at
Madonna di Campiglio, set an encouraging time of 2m03.57s.
"We
spent the first part of the day checking on the reliability
of the bike to get it ready for the rest of the test"
declared Ducati Marlboro Team Technical Director Corrado
Cecchinelli. "This was the first chance for us to see
that the new design philosophy behind the Desmosedici GP5,
'evolution not revolution', works. The fact that an electrical
component for example, can be interchanged with another
meant that today we could temporarily go back to something
we had used before. This enabled us to finish the day without
any problems and allow Loris to set an excellent time."
"It
felt great to get back on the bike again after more than
a month's inactivity" declared Loris Capirossi. "At
the end of this first day of testing I'm really satisfied
and convinced that we are going in the right direction with
the GP5. In addition I have to admit that the Bridgestone
tyres have also given me positive indications here at Sepang,
especially the front tyre. At the end of the day I even
set a great time, but we have to keep our feet firmly on
the ground and continue to work with passion and enthusiasm."
"I
couldn't wait to get back on the track again", declared
Carlos Checa, "but I was still in a bit of difficulty
after the banal incident at Madonna di Campiglio. Yesterday
the circuit doctor removed the stitches in my left hand,
but unfortunately the wound has not completely healed. I
was able to lap anyway with help from the special glove
brought here by Alpinestars and I could see that we were
working well."
Loris Capirossi 2m02.18s
Carlos Checa 2m03.57s
Rossi
and the Gauloises Yamaha Team Start with a Busy Schedule
at Sepang
Reigning
World Champion Valentino Rossi and his new Yamaha team-mate
Colin Edwards began their 2005 MotoGP campaign today with
day one of a three-day test in Sepang, Malaysia. The two
riders climbed on board their new 2005 specification YZR-M1s
this morning for the first time this year, having enjoyed
a seven-week winter holiday since the last test in November.
Sharing
the track with the Fortuna Yamaha Team as well as teams
from Honda, Ducati, Kawasaki and Suzuki, the Gauloises Yamaha
Team quickly got back into the swing of things and spent
the day working on setting-up the new bikes. Rossi completed
a total of 47 laps and recorded a fastest time of 2’02.30,
the second quickest lap of the day behind Ducati man Loris
Capirossi (2’02.18). His Texan team-mate Edwards,
who has already tested twice with the team despite not becoming
an official Yamaha rider until 1st January this year, completed
55 laps with a best time of 2’03.08, fifth fastest
overall of the 17 MotoGP riders testing in Sepang.
Valentino
Rossi, (2’02.30) "Today was not too bad, for
the first day back! We spent the day working on settings,
and for sure we know that this new bike is a good bike.
There is some improvement to the engine and now the aim
is to make some more changes and to try to get the same
feeling as we had with last year’s bike, so I can
ride it in the same way. This bike is almost completely
new, plus I haven’t ridden for two months, so there
is a lot of work to do and we will continue tomorrow."
Colin
Edwards (2’03.08) "I’m pretty happy after
this first day and it’s awesome to be back. We spent
all day changing settings and just working on various small
things to try to improve the set-up. The Japanese need quite
a lot of information to build their database, so we spent
some time doing things for them, too. We didn’t test
any tyres, as we wanted to just concentrate on set-up, but
tomorrow we might spend some more time with different Michelin
tyres. We’ve got a new engine, a new chassis and there’s
a lot to work on; some areas have improved for me and some
haven’t, but we just need to find the balance and
we’ll be okay."
Davide
Brivio, Gauloises Yamaha Team Director, "In November
we tested a prototype bike and we’ve come here today
with the final 2005 machine. The work we did today was just
normal work to fine-tune the settings. We’ve got 18
full days of testing planned before the start of the season,
so we have plenty of time to work on all the issues and
hopefully find a good solution for any difficulties. Today
we have only just started.
Honda
MotoGP Riders Back in Action at Sepang
Seven Honda riders, racing for four different teams took
the opportunity to test the latest developments made to
the five-cylinder 990cc RC211V. For both the established
Honda riders and the new to Honda for the 2005 season, Troy
Bayliss (Camel Honda) and Marco Melandri the morning session
was spent finding the best machine settings for fast circuit
before getting down to serious work after lunch.
First
Honda riders to take to the track Repsol Honda teammates
Max Biaggi and Nicky Hayden, the two riders working under
the supervision of legendary American race engineer Erv
Kanemoto. For Biaggi the day began cautiously as the Italian
has still not regained 100% movement in the right ankle
he broke in a Supermotard accident in November. However,
as the dare wore on Biaggi began to lower his lap time as
he found his rhythm, eventually circulating just under the
existing lap record.
Max
concentrated his efforts on testing engine-braking systems
and clutch parts while team- mate Hayden worked on refining
suspension linkages and the steering of his RCV. The young
American worked hard all day putting in an amazing 90 laps
of the sun drenched circuit where temperatures rose to 35’
with a track top temperature of 50’.
Fastest
Honda rider on the track was Brazilian Alex Barros who returns
to the Camel Honda team from the Repsol Honda squad. Barros
quickly assessed the changes made to the RCV the changes
made to the RCV since the last test session, in November
then put in a series of fast laps to end the session with
a time of 2m 02.71s.
New
boy to the Camel Honda team Troy Bayliss understandably
took time to adjust to the Honda at Sepang but towards the
end of the day the Australia former World Superbike Champion
was lapping two seconds off lap record time.
Japanese
star Makoto Tamada paraded his new Konica Minolta Honda.
Tamada in now in his third year of GP racing his first with
Michelin tyres. The ever-smiling Tamada has to rethink machine
set up at each circuit having spent his career riding on
Bridgestone rubber. Despite a slow crash Tamada was very
happy with his days work.
Telefonica
MoviStar teamsters Sete Gibernau, second in the 2004 MotoGP
Championship, and Marco Melandri had very different experiences
on the opening day. Melandri continued his adaptation to
the characteristics of the RCV setting respectable lap times
in the afternoon session. In contrast Gibernau suffered
from a niggling electrical problem that held him back. The
Spaniard managed just 37 laps over the day.
Quickest
lap Times on Day One:
1. Loris Capirossi (Ducati) 2'02.18
2. Valentino Rossi (Yamaha) 2'02.30
3. Alex Barros (Honda) 2'02.71
4. Kenny Roberts (Suzuki) 2'03.00
5. Colin Edwards (Yamaha) 2'03.08
Capirossi
Again Quickest on Day Two
Sepang,
Jan 24th: Day Two was another day of testing at
a hot and humid Sepang circuit, and another positive
day of non-stop testing for Loris Capirossi, while Carlos
Checa was unable to test the Desmosedici GP5 due to the
condition of his injured hand. The Italian rider, who continued
the development work on the new bike, completed 60 laps
of the Sepang circuit in sweltering conditions (track temperature
56°).
"Today was another excellent day for Loris, confirming
that the GP5 has already reached a good level, and so is
Loris's confidence with the new Bridgestone tyres",
declared Livio Suppo, Ducati MotoGP project manager. "Unfortunately
Carlos wasn't feeling well this morning, he had a big headache
and we preferred to let him rest for the whole day. It's
nothing serious, just a severe bout of flu, probably due
to his overall condition following his hand injury, which
however is improving, and tomorrow we hope he will join
Loris on the track".
"It's a real pleasure to be able to work
in this way, a great satisfaction and an important boost",
declared Loris Capirossi. "We got though a lot of work
and tested several different set-ups, and were able to confirm
that the chassis is performing well. We also made another
step forward with the Bridgestone tyres, in particular with
the front which is perfect. Now we have to concentrate on
the rear tyre, in order to be competitive over race distance.
Tomorrow will be another day of hard work but for the moment
I'm really satisfied with everything: A big thanks to everyone
in Ducati Corse, they've done an excellent job."
"I was a bit disappointed to see everyone
else out on the track but today I was unable to test because
I had a massive headache", declared Carlos Checa. "Hopefully
tomorrow I'll be better and I can go out again. In any case,
seeing Loris's superb performance makes me feel a lot better
and it confirms that we are going to go a long way with
the new GP5 project."
The
Gauloises Yamaha Team completed a second day of testing
at a hot and humid Sepang circuit, Testing their new 2005-specification
YZR-M1s, both Rossi and Edwards improved on the times they
set yesterday. It was hard work for the entire team, as
temperatures reached a maximum of 40 degrees, but both riders
finished the day satisfied with the job they had done and
now look forward to tomorrow's final day of testing.
Rossi
and Edwards continued refining settings on their M1s as
well as testing a variety of Michelin tyres. Ducati rider
Loris Capirossi was again the fastest man on the track for
the second day running, setting a time of 2'01.99, whilst
Rossi was second fastest once again, completing 55 laps
with a best time of 2'02.16. He was followed by Alex Barros
(Honda, 2'02.30), Max Biaggi (Honda, 2'02.35) - seemingly
well recovered from a broken leg sustained in November -
and Kenny Roberts (Suzuki, 2'02.38). Rossi's Yamaha team-mate
Edwards completed 62 laps and was sixth fastest with a time
of 2'02.48.
Fortuna
Yamaha Tech3 riders Toni Elías and Rubén Xaus
also continued their testing program at the Sepang circuit.
Elías clocked a 2'03.2 after 51 laps, despite the
injury to his right hand which he suffered yesterday. His
Spanish team-mate Xaus set a best time of 2'03.40 after
62 laps, having crashed early in the session without injury.
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Jan 19th - Our favorite Angel in the Sports
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First Dyno Test of the hot
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in FastDates.com Paddock Garage
Noriyuki
Haga tests the factory Yamaha R1 Superbike at Phillip Island
in his first ride back on a Yamaha Superbike since the ill-fated
2001 season when he almost clinched the Championship. Can
he do it this time?
SBK
World Superbike Championship, Phillip Island Winter Tests
Corser
again quick on Suzuki GSXR1000 at Phillip Island
Phillip Island, Australia, Jan 20-22nd - The
Alstare Corona Extra Suzuki team, comprising of 1996 World
Champion Troy Corser and Japanese star Yukio Kagayama,
gave the 2005 GSX-R1000 an excellent debut during a three-day
test at Phillip Island. In the favourable weather conditions
of an Australian summer Corser and Kagayama pushed to
the limit at the awesome seaside circuit, Corser setting
a best of 1' 34"2s; Kagayama 1' 34"8s. This
combined pace, after just one test, compares favourably
with the best lap time of the 2004 race weekend, set by
Garry McCoy (Ducati), at 1' 34"514s.
Corser
had a particularly eventful three days, as his GSX-R twice
collided with seagulls, while Kagayama escaped a crash
unscathed.
The
2005 season championship will feature high calibre World
Superbike entries from six manufacturers, and even after
one test Suzuki has already proved that it will play a
part in what will be a particularly fascinating year of
global competition.
At
least ten riders will have a chance of winning in 2005,
thanks to confirmed entries from closely matched teams
and riders on Ducati, Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha, Petronas
and Suzuki equipment. The single make tyre rules, with
all riders on equal Pirelli racing products, has already
proved to be a great success in 2004 and is another factor
which promises close and exciting racing.
Haga
Debuts on the Yamaha R1 at Phillip Island Tests
Jan
23rd: Yamaha's 2005 Superbike and Supersport
World Championship campaigns got into full swing at Phillip
Island today, as the officially supported Yamaha Motor
Italia and Yamaha Motor Germany teams completed the first
day of their test at the picturesque Australian circuit.The
test marked Noriyuki Haga's return to the manufacturer
with whom he made his name in the mid-Nineties and the
Japanese star completed shakedown laps aboard the Yamaha
Motor Italia YZF-R1 which he will campaign in the superbike
series.
Day
one of the test was a familiarisation session for Haga,
as he worked with his mechanics to find a comfortable
seating position and a basic understanding of the YZF-R1.
The Japanese ace suffered some minor fuelling problems
but completed a total of 50 laps with a best time of 1'36.3.
While
Haga acquainted himself with his new machine, team-mate
Andrew Pitt concentrated on the fuel mapping on his YZF-R1.
The Australian rider started the day on the bike with
which he completed two tests at the Valencia circuit in
Spain, but switched to a new machine with a slightly higher
specification in the afternoon. In total Pitt ran 84 laps,
with a best of 1'36.8.
Yamaha
Motor Germany's Australian duo Kevin Curtain and Broc
Parkes took to the circuit on the 2005-spec YZF-R6s they
hope will take them to success in the Supersport World
Championship. Both riders had ridden the machine at a
wet test at Valencia in December, but today's outing was
the first time the riders were able to fully evaluate
the improvements made to the 2005 machine in dry conditions.
New
signing Broc Parkes had an eventful morning, hampered
by several brushes with the Phillip Island wildlife. On
three occasions the Australian's machine was hit at high
speed by seagulls, destroying the radiator, windscreen
and instrument panel of his YZF-R6.
Curtain
meanwhile had no such problems and was able to evaluate
a number of new parts for his Yamaha. The experienced
Aussie has a huge knowledge of the R6, having campaigned
the previous model in 2003 and 2004, and was able spend
the whole day working on suspension settings.
The
teams will remain at Phillip Island on Monday and Tuesday,
when weather conditions are forecast to be even warmer
than today's 25-degree temperatures. Tomorrow Haga is
due to work on the evaluation of new Pirelli tyres, while
Pitt will focus on development parts for the R1. Parkes
and Curtain will continue to focus on front suspension
and tyre longevity.
Noriyuki
Haga (Yamaha Motor Italia World Superbike Team YZF-R1)
"Today we concentrated on making the bike how I like
it. At the start of the day I found the rear end was too
high, so we have been making changes to make the bike
lower and more comfortable for me. We still have a few
small changes to make tomorrow but otherwise my first
impression is good. This is only my first test on the
bike so we are still a little bit behind where we would
like to be, but I love a challenge!"
Andrew
Pitt (Yamaha Motor Italia World Superbike Team YZF-R1)
"We've had a few little problems with the mapping,
the injection and the balance today, but we have found
a direction in which to go in tomorrow. At the end of
the day, that's what testing's all about - finding problems
and solving them - so it's not a problem."
Massimo
Meregalli (Team Coordinator - Yamaha Motor Italia World
Superbike Team)
"I was waiting for this day for some time and in
the end it was very exciting. Ideally it would have been
best to have had this test one or two months ago but it
has not been possible. The whole team has really enjoyed
working with Nori. Having him in the team adds some pressure
for us, but this makes it very exciting."
Below:
Yamaha World Superbike team mates Andrew Pitt (right)
and Noriyuki Haga (left).
Jan 25th: Yamaha's officially supported
Superbike and Supersport World Championship teams completed
their three-day test at the Phillip Island circuit in
Australia today, with good weather conditions combining
with two days of development work to allow the riders
to push their machines to the limit and chase ultimate
lap times.
Yamaha Motor Italia's superbike riders Noriyuki Haga
and Andrew Pitt spent the day fine tuning their YZF-R1.
Both saw their times drop from the previous two days testing,
but more importantly both were able to complete their
scheduled programmes of parts evaluation that will be
used to build the final specification machines in time
for next month's opening race in Qatar.
Scorching air temperatures of around 30 degrees and a
track temperature in excess of 50 caused the tyre technicians
some problems during the day, but with the riders dialed
into their machines after two previous days' testing lap
times were still able to drop for Haga and Pitt.
Pitt ended the test as the fastest of Yamaha Motor Italia's
superbike riders, setting an ultimate best lap time of
1'33.9. More significantly he was able to lap consistently
in the 1'35 bracket despite the extreme weather conditions.
Andrew Pitt (Yamaha Motor Italia World Superbike Team
YZF-R1)
"From the first day to the last we've made a lot
of progress here at Phillip Island. Based on how well
we went in Valencia, I think that we came here believing
that we were a little bit further ahead than we actually
were, although in the end everything has worked out fine.
Sure we can go a little bit faster through improvements
to the front end but even in these hot conditions I was
able to consistently keep it in the low 35s on a race
tyre."
Haga left the test a little slower than his colleague,
but had a greater understanding of the YZF-R1 after his
first three days on the bike. Haga's best time of the
test, also set today, was a 1'35.0. The Yamaha Motor Italia
team is now heading back to Europe with a huge database
of information about their new machines. Within the next
few days they will decide whether to spend the three weeks
leading up to the official pre-season tests in Qatar developing
the machines at their Milan headquarters or to carry out
further track testing at the Valencia circuit in Spain.
Noriyuki Haga (Yamaha Motor Italia World Superbike Team
YZF-R1)
"Again we learned more about the bike today. The
1000cc four-cylinder is very fast of course, but we have
also just started working with the bike so there is a
lot of learning to do. For sure this is the challenge
for us. The bike has a lot of potential but we must still
make some small changes to get it just right. We need
more testing and development before we are able to win,
but I am sure we can do it!"
Pit
Gear
How
to really go Faster without falling
off...
High
Altitude Start for Ducati Desmosedici 2005 MotoGP Season
Wrooom 2005, Madonna di Campiglio (Italy), 20
January - Ducati's MotoGP season got off to a
flying start today on the Grostè glacier (at an
altitude of 2470 metres) as the Desmosedici GP5 appeared
in its 2005 livery for the first time amidst the spectacular
Dolomite mountains in northern Italy.
"The
bike that Loris Capirossi and Carlos Checa will race this
season is the result of an evolution, not a revolution
of the GP4" explained Ducati Corse CEO Claudio Domenicali
yesterday during the press conference. "We learnt
from the mistakes we made last year, when we arrived at
the first Sepang tests with a completely different bike
from the previous version and with no chance of turning
back.
"The
Desmosedici GP5 is the result of the work we did last
season when, despite the difficulties, we didn't lose
heart and we found the equilibrium we were looking for,
as was demonstrated by our improving performance over
the last few races and the two podiums at the end of the
season. The studies that led to the creation of this bike
follow a principle of reversibility, which allows us to
retrace our steps at any time and make comparisons with
previous solutions".
The
bike actually differs very little from the one that was
seen in the final GP of the year at Valencia except for
the chassis, swing-arm and ECU innovations that will be
fitted to the Desmosedici GP5.
The chassis is now also attached to the swing-arm pivot,
unlike the GP4. This has already been tested at Phillip
Island but it will be tested again by Carlos and Loris
in Malaysia to see how it works with the new Bridgestone
tyres.
Instead
it has already been decided to use the new swing-arm in
testing and the races. This is lighter than the previous
version, albeit somewhat stiffer.
Finally
the ECU engine control system is new and gives greater
calculation power for more sophisticated race strategies.
The ECU has a number of different levels of use, but is
in line with the decision to continue development one
step at a time, leaving open the possibility of being
able to change components at any moment. The software
currently being deliberated is not radically different
to the one used on the GP4, but more complex, evo-spec
versions are also being developed.
Other
innovations currently being developed by Ducati are a
new 'step' engine, which is already running on the dyno,
and which may be used in the second half of the season.
The
GP5's aerodynamic package has also undergone modifications:
after tests carried out in the wind-tunnel, a new fairing
aimed at improving the bike's handling will appear for
the first time at the forthcoming IRTA tests at Barcellona
(March 18-20).
The
Ducati Marlboro Team's pre-season testing schedule is
the following:
Sepang (Malaysia): January 23-25
Sepang (Malaysia): February 11-13
Phillip Island (Australia): February 17-19
Losail (Qatar): March 1-3
DUCATI
MARLBORO TEAM MEETS THE PRESS
ON THE SNOWS OF MADONNA DI CAMPIGLIO
Wrooom 2005, Madonna di
Campiglio (Italy), 19 January: Skiing and snowboarding
gave way to a more formal moment for the MotoGP riders
and journalists today at the Wrooom 2005 international
media event. Ducati Corse CEO Claudio Domenicali and Ducati
Marlboro Team riders Loris Capirossi and Carlos Checa
met the press for the first time to chat about the start
of the 2005 season, the team's programmes and illustrate
the technical details of the Desmosedici GP5.
"We
were guided by a new philosophy during the design and
the construction of the bike that we will be racing this
year: in comparison to the GP4, the GP5 is an evolution
not a revolution" declared Claudio Domenicali. "For
example, the latest technical solutions we tested at Valencia
last November, which are still being developed, do not
completely change the handling of the bike, in particular
in view of the most important change that has been made:
the tyres. Bridgestone for us will be an important partner,
one with whom we have immediately established an excellent
rapport".
The
meeting also offered Domenicali the opportunity to announce
an important project, details of which for the moment
are still being defined: the Tyre Test Team, which will
be set up in collaboration with the Japanese tyre manufacturer.
This project, which has come about due to the two companies'
joint commitment to specifically develop tyres, will see
Japanese rider Shinichi Itoh become official test-rider
and will involve a group of dedicated technicians, including
a Ducati Corse engineer.
Loris
Capirossi is ready to tackle his third season with the
Borgo Panigale team with renewed enthusiasm, as emerged
clearly from his declarations.
"Moving
to Ducati in 2003 was very important for me: I am proud
to form a part of this family, in which I have found a
group of competent and passionate people" said Loris.
"The first year was fantastic, but the following
year, on the other hand, saw us in a bit of difficulty
at the start. The company reacted well, remained united
and we worked hard until we found the equilibrium we were
looking for. I am pleased with the Bridgestone tyres and
in particular with the front, which adapts well to my
riding style. It's too early to make any forecasts, but
for the moment I can say that I am happy and sure that
we will soon be competitive".
Carlos Checa admitted that he had a 'soft spot' for the
Borgo Panigale manufacturer. After a first approach between
the two parties two years ago, the Spanish rider can now
finally wear the colours of the Ducati Marlboro Team.
Immediately right on the pace with the Desmosedici, Carlos
has established a good rapport with his new team and is
ready to develop the new GP5 machine.
"I
have always been attracted by Ducati and I am delighted
to be a part of them now" declared a smiling Checa.
"I already found a good feeling with the team and
the new bike during the first tests we made in Spain.
Of course, it's far too early to say what will happen:
for the moment there is a lot of work to do, but I am
very motivated and ready for the challenge".
After
the press conference, the riders and journalists present
at Wrooom were able to have an afternoon's relaxation
on the snows of Madonna di Campiglio. Tomorrow the Desmosedici
GP5 will be presented directly on the ski slopes surrounded
by the breath-taking scenario of the Dolomites providing
the backdrop for this early glimpse of Ducati's new 2005
MotoGP challenger.
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