shortcircuit
Expert Class
Posts: 114
|
posted January 23, 2006 08:52 AM
MotoGP test at Sepang
2006 season testing opener - Rossi fastest on day 1
http://www.motogp.com/en/motogp/news_info/news_info_15881_1.htm?menu=home
Valentino Rossi has clocked the fastest time of the Sepang Test´s first day, a meeting which started today and marks the resumption of the 2006 preseason.
The Italian rider, with an official time of 2'02.09, went round the track on the newest version of the M1 at a speed only four decimals off Loris Capirossi´s pole-earning time from last season.
The Italian rider later expressed his opinions on the practice:
"It's always a little difficult to start again after the holidays, and I am never sure if I will be able to ride well straight away! Today however everything has felt good right from the start and I am already quite fast. The new M1 is a good bike, I like it and I can see that Yamaha has worked very hard over the winter. We had a few problems with it today; some chattering, but in reality it is good for this stage of the year. We still have a lot of work to do on it of course"
On the evolution of the M1, Rossi explained his plans for the adjustment:
"The new bike is not so different from the 2005 bike, but still we have to understand completely its character and I have to get more confidence in it, then we can begin to make the modifications needed in order to improve it. Today has just been about understanding the bike, tomorrow we will concentrate more on tyres with Michelin."
Behind the reigning World Champion´s Camel Yamaha, and not far behind at that, were a pack of Honda riders. Nicky Hayden, Marco Melandri and Dani Pedrosa all placed highly, with Pedrosa´s time the fourth fastest and one which made him the quickest Spaniard of the day.
Sete Gibernau rounded off the group of six riders to go round within the same second as Rossi, in what was the first time the Italian and the Spaniard have faced each other since Gibernau joined Ducati Marlboro.
The first day of testing also served as the debut on their new bikes for Kenny Roberts Jr, Alex Hofmann and José Luis Cardoso, the latter two D´Antin Ducati´s newest recruits.
Test Sepang
First Day
Unofficial Times
1. Valentino Rossi - Camel Yamaha 2'02.14
2. Marco Melandri - Fortuna Honda 2'02.21
3. Nicky Hayden - Repsol Honda 2'02.23
4. Dani Pedrosa - Repsol Honda 2'02.46
5. Loris Capirossi - Ducati Marlboro 2'02.54
6. Colin Edwards - Camel Yamaha 2'02.60
7. Sete Gibernau - Ducati Marlboro 2'02.86
8. John Hopkins - Suzuki MotoGP 2'03.30
9. Casey Stoner - LCR Honda 2'03.57
10. Shinya Nakano - Kawasaki Racing 2'03.77
11. Toni Elías - Fortuna Honda 2'03.80
12. Kenny Roberts - KR Honda 2'03.80
13. Randy de Puniet - Kawasaki Racing 2'03.90
14. Alex Hofmann - D'Antin Ducati 2'04.63
15. James Ellison - Yamaha 2'06.40
16. Chris Vermeulen - Suzuki MotoGP 2'06.50
17. Jose Luis Cardoso - D'Antin MotoGP 2'07.70
Sepang Lap Record: Nicky Hayden (Honda) 2005 - 2'02.993
Sepang Best Lap: Loris Capirossi (Ducati) 2005 - 2'01.731
____________
Current '03 GPZ500S, '95 GPZ1100S
Previous: '84 Z1100R (Lime Green), '88 GPZ1000RX
   
|
shortcircuit
Expert Class
Posts: 114
|
posted January 23, 2006 08:54 AM
Positive 1st day for Kawasaki Racing Team
http://www.kawasaki-eckl.com/press/index.asp?saction=Article&sSection=press&id=344
The Kawasaki Racing Team got the 2006 MotoGP season off to a flying start during the opening day of a planned four-day test at Malaysia's Sepang circuit.
Shinya Nakano and Randy de Puniet started the day with shakedown tests aboard the latest version of Kawasaki's Ninja ZX-RR MotoGP machine, which features a completely redesigned inline, four-cylinder engine and chassis.
With the shakedown tests completed successfully in the morning, Nakano and his crew switched their attention to set-up and refinement of the all-new bike, as well as testing new suspension components from Öhlins. The Japanese rider quickly identified a number of areas where improvements could be made, and these changes will be made by his crew overnight.
A newcomer to the MotoGP class, Randy de Puniet impressed with his consistency and speed aboard his Ninja ZX-RR, during a 15-lap race simulation late in the afternoon test session.
The 24-year-old Frenchman may still be adapting his riding style to the additional power and weight of a MotoGP bike, but his fastest lap today was just 0.2s behind his more experienced teammate, Nakano.
Both riders will continue the set-up and development of the new Ninja ZX-RR during tomorrow's test, when they will also complete a scheduled tyre test with Bridgestone.
Shinya Nakano: #56 - 2'03.7 (43 Laps)
"I was in and out of the pit box a lot this morning, but this is normal when you bring a brand new bike to the racetrack for the first time, as there are always a lot of small things that need adjusting or changing. This afternoon I was able to put in more laps on the bike and, overall, my first impression is very good. The handling is a big improvement, and I can feel that the new engine has more power then the old. I need to spend more time on the bike to get a better understanding of the engine characteristics, but already I think this new bike has a lot of potential. There is still some work for us to do in terms of set-up, both the chassis and the engine, but we will continue with this process tomorrow, when we will also be running some important tyre tests with Bridgestone."
Randy de Puniet: #17 - 2'03.9 (58 Laps)
"Today was a good day for both myself and the team. I managed to put in a lot of laps aboard the new bike and my feeling was very good. At the end of the afternoon session I completed a 15-lap race simulation, with my fastest time of the day coming on the 11th lap. I had a good rhythm on the bike, the tyres and the bike were working well, and my lap times were consistent throughout. We will not make any major changes to the bike overnight ahead of the planned Bridgestone tyre test tomorrow. Overall, I'm pleased with today's test and I'm looking forward to getting back out on track tomorrow."
Naoya Kaneko: Technical Manager
"Today was really a first shakedown test for the new bike, as this is the first time we've run the new engine on the track. For a first outing the results have been very positive. Shinya and Randy were able to gain a better understanding of the characteristics of the new engine, and both riders have already started suggesting changes that will lead to further improvements tomorrow. We also tested new front and rear suspension from Öhlins and, again, the results have been mainly positive."
Harald Eckl: Team Manager
"Overall, today has been a good start to the new season for the Kawasaki Racing Team. I was surprised at just how quickly Randy has adapted to the Ninja ZX-RR in such a short space of time. During his race simulation today he was posting consistent lap times that were very close to Shinya's fastest lap. This is good for the team, to have two riders that are close enough on track to push each other, and also to develop the bike together. Over the next three days the riders and mechanics will concentrate on providing Kawasaki engineers with the data they need to continue the development process, as well as completing an important tyre testing schedule for Bridgestone."
____________
Current '03 GPZ500S, '95 GPZ1100S
Previous: '84 Z1100R (Lime Green), '88 GPZ1000RX
|
shortcircuit
Expert Class
Posts: 114
|
posted January 24, 2006 04:53 AM
Day 2 - De Puniet 7th best time
http://www.motogp.com/en/motogp/news_info/news_info_15891_1.htm?menu=home
Ducati unleash their power in the second day at Sepang
The Ducati Marlboro riders took the top two spots on the board at the Sepang Test´s second day. Sete Gibernau and Loris Capirossi earned the fastest times of the session. The Spanish rider, with a recorded 2'01.66, knocked half a second off Valentino Rossi´s first day time, and was faster than the pole position earned by Capirossi last year. The Italian rider also managed to break the 2'02 barrier.
Further back, Americans Colin Edwards (Camel Yamaha) and Nicky Hayden (Repsol Honda) also improved on Rossi´s lap from yesterday. In unsurprising news, Dani Pedrosa put himself in fifth in a second session which also featured other debutants such as Randy de Puniet (Kawasaki Racing) and Casey Stoner (LCR Honda).
Pedrosa was one of the most diligent riders on the grid, going round the Malaysian circuit in the final part of the session, when all other teams and riders had drawn their day to a close. The Spaniard had a half hour long opportunity to ride the RC211V for the first time in the wet, where the three times World Champion is not especially comfortable.
Valentino Rossi dropped to ninth place, although overall he sits in fifth. The Italian later gave his assessment of the day, focusing as much on the performance of other riders as his own.
"I have concentrated on simulating a race, and later we decided against going round on a wet track in the rain. In 2004 we had problems with the water, but this is a situation that depends on the relationship and confidence that one has with the bike. It's a little bit like a marriage, and I can say that right now mine is going very well"
"It doesn´t surprise me that Ducati have gone so well today. Sete is very strong, which is hardly a shock. This is a sign that the bike works well and that Ducati are doing a great job" added the Camel Yamaha rider.
Sepang Test Day 2
1. Sete Gibernau, Ducati Marlboro - 2'01.66 / 49 laps
2. Loris Capirossi, Ducati Marlboro - 2'01.83 / 45 laps
3. Colin Edwards, Camel Yamaha - 2'02.00 / 58 laps
4. Nicky Hayden, Repsol Honda - 2'02.02 / 68 laps
5. Dani Pedrosa, Repsol Honda - 2'02.26 / 47 laps
6. John Hopkins, Suzuki MotoGP - 2'02.40 / 40 laps
7. Randy de Puniet, Kawasaki Racing - 2'02.55 / 50 laps
8. Casey Stoner, LCR Honda - 2'02.57 / 51 laps
9. Valentino Rossi, Camel Yamaha - 2'02.62 / 41 laps
10. Shinya Nakano, Kawasaki Racing - 2'02.65 / 50 laps
11. Marco Melandri, Fortuna Honda - 2'02.70 / 51 laps
12. Toni Elias, Fortuna Honda - 2'03.20 / 42 laps
13. Shinichi Itoh, Ducati TTT - 2'03.49 / 52 laps
14. Naoki Matsudo, Kawasaki Racing - 2'04.08 / 23 laps
15. Kenny Roberts Jr, Team KR - 2'04.10 / 25 laps
16. James Ellison, Yamaha Tech3 - 2'04.15 / 52 laps
17. Chris Vermeulen, Suzuki MotoGP - 2'04.23 / 12 laps
18. Alex Hofmann, D'Antin Pramac - 2'04.49 / 27 laps
19. J. Luis Cardoso, D'Antin Pramac - 2'06.60 / 20 laps
____________
Current '03 GPZ500S, '95 GPZ1100S
Previous: '84 Z1100R (Lime Green), '88 GPZ1000RX
|
shortcircuit
Expert Class
Posts: 114
|
posted January 24, 2006 06:36 AM
NAKANO AND DE PUNIET FASTER IN SEPANG
http://www.kawasaki-eckl.com/press/index.asp?saction=Article&sSection=press&id=345
Kawasaki riders, Shinya Nakano and Randy de Puniet, both improved their lap times during the second day of testing at Sepang today, before the onset of rain brought the test to a premature end.
Despite the weather, both Nakano and de Puniet managed to complete their planned test schedule, which included tyre testing with Bridgestone and the evaluation of revised engine and chassis components on their Ninja ZX-RR machines.
Nakano tested four different rear tyres on his Ninja ZX-RR during the morning session, with one new tyre in particular offering an advantage around the twists and turns of the 5.548 km Sepang circuit, and allowing the Kawasaki rider to improve on his lap time from yesterday by over a second.
Nakano also evaluated revised engine and clutch components, before testing a redesigned, more aerodynamic fairing on his 2006 Ninja ZX-RR.
De Puniet also tested a number of rear Bridgestone tyres today, as he worked to identify a suitable tyre for his race simulation tomorrow. The 24-year-old Frenchman walked away uninjured from a crash whilst testing a new fairing, before going on to improve on his previous best lap time by more than a second.
The Kawasaki Racing team will return to Sepang tomorrow for the third, and penultimate, day of testing.
Shinya Nakano: #56 - 2'02.65 (50 Laps)
"Today we focused mainly on an important tyre test with Bridgestone. They had a number of rear tyres for us to test, and one in particular definitely offered an advantage in terms of traction. The tyre uses a different drive compound, and it was on this rear tyre that I set my fastest time, over one second quicker than my best time from yesterday. We also tested some new components on the bike, including a modified chassis designed to improve stability. We will continue testing with this chassis tomorrow, as we work to improve overall set-up of the new bike. It's been a busy, but productive, day."
Randy de Puniet: #17 - 2'02.55 (50 Laps)
"Our main aim today was to test some new tyres from Bridgestone, and to identify the best tyre for my race simulation tomorrow afternoon. We also tested some modified components on the bike, including a redesigned, more compact fairing. It was during this part of the test that I had my first crash in MotoGP. I'm not sure what caused it, the rear just came round on me as I got off the throttle and down I went. It was a fairly big crash, but I walked away uninjured, and we were able to complete the rest of our test schedule before the rain appeared at four o'clock. I improved my lap time by more than one second, so I'm happy with the way things have gone today."
Naoya Kaneko: Technical Manager
"Both riders were kept busy with tyre testing today, as it is important that we supply Bridgestone with the test data they need to continue their development for the season ahead. On the chassis front we tested a new fairing on bikes. Designed to be more compact and aerodynamic, Shinya's comments on the new fairing indicate that it offers the same level of protection as the old. This is an area we will look at again in future tests. Finally, we also managed to evaluate some revised engine components and completed our test schedule despite the onset of rain in the late afternoon."
____________
Current '03 GPZ500S, '95 GPZ1100S
Previous: '84 Z1100R (Lime Green), '88 GPZ1000RX
|
trenace
Needs a job
Posts: 3056
|
posted January 24, 2006 04:49 PM
 Edited By: trenace on 24 Jan 2006 16:50
Nice to see de Puniet doing so well. Perhaps, despite Eckl's reservations, Kawasaki brass made an excellent choice in this young rider.
Surprise surprise, the Proton KR continues to suck regardless of Honda motor.
Dunlop tires must really suck to slow Ellison down to -2.5 sec, riding a Yamaha M1.
|
advocatt
Novice Class
Posts: 56
|
posted January 24, 2006 10:57 PM
|
trenace
Needs a job
Posts: 3056
|
posted January 24, 2006 11:17 PM
The high-mount Akrapovics look quite good, actually.
|
shortcircuit
Expert Class
Posts: 114
|
posted January 25, 2006 12:58 AM
Excellent pix!!!
Double flames from Stalker 
He always looks more spectacular than anyone else 
See how Randy does by end of test but so far looks good.
____________
Current '03 GPZ500S, '95 GPZ1100S
Previous: '84 Z1100R (Lime Green), '88 GPZ1000RX
|
shortcircuit
Expert Class
Posts: 114
|
posted January 25, 2006 04:33 AM
Kawasaki Shinya 7th & Randy 8th fastest last day
Kawasaki Racing Team report:
http://www.kawasaki-eckl.com/press/index.asp?saction=Article&sSection=press&id=346
The Kawasaki Racing Team concluded their final day of testing at the Sepang circuit today, with Shinya Nakano and Randy de Puniet both setting their fastest lap times of the test during the afternoon session.
Both Kawasaki riders were subjected to a heavy workload over the three-day test, completing a combined total of more than 300 laps around the 5.548km Sepang circuit, as they continue the development of Kawasaki's new Ninja ZX-RR MotoGP machine.
Nakano started this morning's session by running comparison tests on different set-ups, before switching bikes to evaluate a revised chassis. He then ran an 18-lap race simulation in the afternoon, in which he saw a significant improvement in his average lap time compared to this same test last year.
Nakano's Kawasaki teammate, de Puniet, also concentrated today on comparing suspension settings, as he worked with his crew to refine the set-up of his Ninja ZX-RR. In the afternoon the 24-year-old Frenchman improved upon his lap time by 0.5s, before having to abandon a planned race simulation due to a minor technical problem.
Nakano and de Puniet also tested a revised exhaust system on their Ninja ZX-RR machines, which both riders agreed offered better throttle response at the bottom end of the rev range.
The Kawasaki Racing Team will travel directly from Malaysia to Australia, to participate in a further three-day test at Phillip Island, starting on Tuesday 31 January.
Shinya Nakano: #56 - 2'01.27 (72 Laps)
"Today was very demanding because we did a lot of laps, but we also managed to complete our test programme, which is very important at this stage with a new bike. We tested some different settings and components this morning, with positive results, before running an 18-lap race simulation during the afternoon. My lap times on race tyres were consistent, and very close to Loris Capirossi's race times from last year, so we ended the test on a positive note. We still have some work to do during the next tests in Australia and Malaysia, but we have already made a lot of progress with the new bike and we definitely have a clear direction for future development."
Randy de Puniet: #17 - 2'02.18 (62 Laps)
"We tested a lot of different suspension components, both front and rear, today to identify the best set-up on the bike. We also ran a race simulation in the afternoon, but I had to cut this short due to a small problem on the bike. I improved on my previous best lap time by almost 0.5s, so today has been very positive for us. Overall, this has been a successful test. We've completed a lot of work and seen an improvement in lap times every day. Hopefully we can continue the same trend at Phillip Island next week."
Harald Eckl: Team Manager
"This has been a successful first test for the new bike, and I'm confident that the information we have collected will be converted by Kawasaki's engineers into further improvements to the engine before we return to Sepang in February. Both riders were very positive about the chassis and the handling of the bike, and I think we've made a definite step forward in this area. Shinya's fastest lap today was almost 0.5s faster than Loris Capirossi's pole position time from the race here just four months ago, and I think this indicates best of all the progress we've made over the winter. Randy has also impressed during this test with his consistency, and also how close his lap times are to Shinya's. I'm confident that with the new ZX-RR and our two riders we will see a clear improvement in our championship standing during the 2006 season."
____________
Current '03 GPZ500S, '95 GPZ1100S
Previous: '84 Z1100R (Lime Green), '88 GPZ1000RX
|
shortcircuit
Expert Class
Posts: 114
|
posted January 25, 2006 04:34 AM
MotoGP report:
http://www.motogp.com/en/motogp/news_info/news_info_15900_1.htm?menu=home
Ducati on top once again at Sepang Test´s final day
Ducati Marlboro continued from where they left off in the third and final day of the Official Test in Sepang. Today it was again Sete Gibernau´s turn to head the leaderboard. The Spaniard, with a lap of 2´01.03- the best time of the entire 3 day test-overcame his teammate Loris Capirossi by less than three thousandths of a second.
Marco Melandri took third position with a fast lap which left him a breath away from the time achieved by the Ducatis. This came after he was somewhat off the pace on the Tuesday test. Dani Pedrosa continued his fast and consistent performances, closing the Malaysia Test with the fourth fastest lap. Valentino Rossi, Nicky Hayden, Shinya Nakano, Randy de Puniet, Toni Elías and Chris Vermeulen completed the top ten.
All of the teams, with the exception of Kawasaki Racing who extend their training program to stay an extra day, will bid farewell to the Malaysian circuit today until the preseason returns to Sepang in February. Next week Honda, Kawasaki and Ducati will test in Phillip Island, whilst Yamaha and Suzuki MotoGP will take to the track at the start of next month in Qatar.
Sepang Test - Day 3
Unofficial Times
1. Sete Gibernau(Ducati Marlboro) - 2'01.03
2. Loris Capirossi (Ducati Marlboro) - 2'01.08
3. Marco Melandri (Fortuna Honda) - 2'01.09
4. Dani Pedrosa (Repsol Honda) - 2'01.51
5. Valentino Rossi (Camel Yamaha) - 2'01.601
6. Nicky Hayden (Repsol Honda) - 2'01.69
7. Shinya Nakano (Kawasaki Racing) - 2'01.79
8. Randy de Puniet (Kawasaki Racing) - 2'02.18
9. Toni Elías (Fortuna Honda) - 2'02.23
10. Chris Vermeulen (Suzuki MotoGP) - 2'02.37
11. Colin Edwards (Camel Yamaha) - 2'02.45
12. John Hopkins (Suzuki MotoGP) - 2'02.50
13. Casey Stoner (LCR Honda) - 2'02.67
14. Alex Hofmann (D'Antin Ducati) - 2'03.20
15. Kenny Roberts jr. (KR Honda) - 2'03.45
16. Shinichi Itoh (Ducati- Bridgestone) - 2'03.72
17. James Ellison (Yamaha Tech 3) - 2'04.12
18. Jose Luis Cardoso (D'Antin Ducati) - 2'04.30
19. Naoki Matsudo (Kawasaki Racing) - 2'05.48
____________
Current '03 GPZ500S, '95 GPZ1100S
Previous: '84 Z1100R (Lime Green), '88 GPZ1000RX
|
shortcircuit
Expert Class
Posts: 114
|
posted January 25, 2006 06:30 AM
Interesting anomaly - The MotoGP site shows Shinya doing a best unofficial time of 2'01.79 but the Kawasaki Racing Team site shows:
'Shinya Nakano: #56 - 2'01.27 (72 Laps)'
Which would have made him 4th fastest, well in touch with the leaders in the Sepang test.
Who's right 
____________
Current '03 GPZ500S, '95 GPZ1100S
Previous: '84 Z1100R (Lime Green), '88 GPZ1000RX
|
trenace
Needs a job
Posts: 3056
|
posted January 25, 2006 09:22 PM
Edited By: trenace on 25 Jan 2006 21:28
The numbers seem to be all over the place. Also looking at MotoGP.com and Motorcycle-usa.com, I see 2:01.70 (or 2:01.79) and 2:01.78.
I am wondering if maybe these are hand-timed, else why would there be four different values among three or four different sources?
Also, does the Kawasaki site have a typo, with a hand-measured 2:01.72 being inverted to 2:01.27?
Anyway, with there being three sources with figures in the .70 range and only one in the .20 range, the first sounds correct. Unless completely different times are being talked about (different sessions) but that doesn't seem to be the case.
The times at MotoGP.com are given as being unofficial, so perhaps this explains why everyone has a different number. I would tend to think only a typo could explain .27 instead of about .72 though.
|
trenace
Needs a job
Posts: 3056
|
posted January 25, 2006 09:31 PM
Edited By: trenace on 25 Jan 2006 21:31
Maybe this is the answer, the Kawasaki figure may be referring to a different session:
Ducati on top once again at Sepang Test´s final day
Report, 25/01/06
Ducati Marlboro continued from where they left off in the third and final day of the Test in Sepang. Today it was again Sete Gibernau´s turn to head the leaderboard. The Spaniard, with a lap of 2´01.03- the best time of the entire 3 day test-overcame his teammate Loris Capirossi by less than three thousandths of a second.
Marco Melandri took third position with a fast lap which left him a breath away from the time achieved by the Ducatis. This came after he was somewhat off the pace on the Tuesday test. Dani Pedrosa continued his fast and consistent performances, closing the Malaysia Test with the fourth fastest lap. Valentino Rossi, Nicky Hayden, Shinya Nakano, Randy de Puniet, Toni Elías and Chris Vermeulen completed the top ten.
All of the teams, with the exception of Kawasaki Racing who extend their training program to stay an extra day, will bid farewell to the Malaysian circuit today until the preseason returns to Sepang in February. Next week Honda, Kawasaki and Ducati will test in Phillip Island, whilst Yamaha and Suzuki MotoGP will take to the track at the start of next month in Qatar
|
shortcircuit
Expert Class
Posts: 114
|
posted January 26, 2006 12:25 AM
Edited By: shortcircuit on 26 Jan 2006 00:26
Times from same test last year at Sepang. Sepang is a strong one for Bridgestone & Ducati, so it will be interesting to see how the Bridgestone runners go at Phillip Island. At least Kawasaki are closer to the leaders in '06 & Randy is not far off team mate Shinya. Good start for the Green Team
Loris Capirossi (Ducati): 2'00.54
Sete Gibernau (Honda): 2'01.325 (61)
Valentino Rossi (Yamaha): 2'01.36 (45)
Nicky Hayden (Honda): 2'01.68 (99)
Alex Barros (Honda): 2'01.90 (10)
Max Biaggi (Honda): 2'01.91 (83)
Colin Edwards (Yamaha): 2'01.93 (43)
Marco Melandri (Honda): 2'02.1 (66)
Troy Bayliss (Honda): 2'02.69 (67)
Shinya Nakano (Kawasaki): 2'02.7 (34)
Toni Elías (Yamaha); 2'02.80 (51)
Makoto Tamada (Honda): 2'02.8 (73)
Alex Hofmann (Kawasaki): 2'03.7 (48)
Rubén Xaus (Yamaha): 2'04.00 (52)
Link to last years report:
http://www.motogp.com/en/motogp/news_info/news_info_13669_1.htm?menu=news&yearext=2005&categoryext=3&eventext=2740&contentext=news§ionext=2&riderext=
____________
Current '03 GPZ500S, '95 GPZ1100S
Previous: '84 Z1100R (Lime Green), '88 GPZ1000RX
|
trenace
Needs a job
Posts: 3056
|
posted January 26, 2006 10:17 AM
Or, going back to your post on Day 3:
quote:
Sepang Test - Day 3
Unofficial Times
1. Sete Gibernau(Ducati Marlboro) - 2'01.03
2. Loris Capirossi (Ducati Marlboro) - 2'01.08
3. Marco Melandri (Fortuna Honda) - 2'01.09
4. Dani Pedrosa (Repsol Honda) - 2'01.51
5. Valentino Rossi (Camel Yamaha) - 2'01.601
6. Nicky Hayden (Repsol Honda) - 2'01.69
7. Shinya Nakano (Kawasaki Racing) - 2'01.79
8. Randy de Puniet (Kawasaki Racing) - 2'02.18
it's a hopeful sign both Nakano being so close to Rossi and Hayden, and de Puniet not so terribly far behind.
It doesn't prove they'll be that close during the races, but gives some hope anyway.
|
shortcircuit
Expert Class
Posts: 114
|
posted January 26, 2006 12:36 PM
From crash.net 
http://www.crash.net/news_view.asp?t=Kawasaki-faster-than-first-thought---&cid=6&id=124466
Kawasaki faster than first thought...
Obtaining accurate test times is always something of a black art, but when numerous different teams - and the official MotoGP website - all agreed that Shinya Nakano's fastest day three lap at Sepang was of 2min 1.7secs, it seemed conclusive...
However, Nakano's Kawasaki Racing Team - and they should know - insist that their Japanese star actually set a best time of 2mins 1.27secs, which propels Nakano from seventh to fourth on the overall test timesheets - behind only Ducati team-mates Sete Gibernau and Loris Capirossi, plus the lead Honda of Marco Melandri.
"Shinya's fastest lap was almost 0.5secs faster than Loris Capirossi's pole position time from the race here just four months ago, and I think this indicates best of all the progress we've made over the winter," confirmed Kawasaki team manager Harald Eckl, referring to Capirossi's 2min 1.731secs Malaysian GP pole time.
But Nakano - who spent Wednesday evaluating a revised chassis and exhaust system for the all new ZX-RR - also made clear improvements in terms of race pace during an 18-lap simulation.
"(Wednesday) was very demanding because we did a lot of laps, but we also managed to complete our test programme, which is very important at this stage with a new bike. We tested some different settings and components in the morning, with positive results, before running an 18-lap race simulation during the afternoon," confirmed Shinya. "My lap times on race tyres were consistent, and very close to (race winner) Loris Capirossi's race times from last year, so we ended the test on a positive note."
Meanwhile, there were no 'surprises' in terms of Randy de Puniet's best lap time which, as reported, was a 2mins 2.18secs - placing the French MotoGP rookie an impressive eighth out of the 19 riders present.
"We tested a lot of different suspension components, both front and rear, (on Wednesday) to identify the best set-up on the bike," began de Puniet. "We also ran a race simulation in the afternoon, but I had to cut this short due to a small problem on the bike. I improved on my previous best lap time by almost 0.5s, so (Wednesday) has been very positive for us."
"Randy has also impressed during this test with his consistency, and also how close his lap times are to Shinya's," added Eckl. "I'm confident that with the new ZX-RR and our two riders we will see a clear improvement in our championship standing during the 2006 season."
The Kawasaki Racing Team will now travel directly from Malaysia to Australia, to participate in a further three-day test at Phillip Island - alongside Yamaha and Ducati teams - starting on Tuesday 31 January.
____________
Current '03 GPZ500S, '95 GPZ1100S
Previous: '84 Z1100R (Lime Green), '88 GPZ1000RX
|
|
|
|
|
HOME
NEW TOPIC