NAKANO AND HOFMANN COMPLETE VALUABLE TEST DAY
10 June 2005 - Kawasaki

The Kawasaki Racing Team devoted the opening day of the Catalunya GP weekend to a comprehensive test session evaluating the latest Bridgestone tyres and technical updates.

Team riders, Shinya Nakano and Alex Hofmann, completed a combined total of 99 laps in the two free practice sessions, almost the equivalent of four grand prix race distances.

The data gathered by Kawasaki engineers today will be critical in deciding race set-up for Sunday''s 25-lap race and for the on-going development programme for the Ninja ZX-RR.

The 4.72 km Catalunya circuit was resurfaced during the winter and Kawasaki''s tyre partner Bridgestone have brought a wide range of new concept tyres to this race.

The tyres feature different constructions and compounds and are already showing improved performance compared to the pre-season IRTA test in Barcelona on the new track surface.

Neither Nakano nor Hofmann tried for a single fast lap as they concentrated on the test programme. Both riders are still chasing further improvement to rear-end grip in preparation for the race.

Nakano recorded his fastest lap of the day, for 11th overall, in the morning free practice session, in which the Japanese rider was unhurt in a crash when he lost the front end

Hofmann, 17th at the end of the day, also posted his best lap in the morning session. The German ace is quickly regaining 100% fitness as he faces his second race after an eight-week lay-off with a fractured left wrist.

On the technical front a revised specification exhaust system from technical partner Akrapovic was tested back-to-back with the standard system, by both Nakano and Hofmann.

More rider friendly throttle response is one benefit of the latest exhaust and Kawasaki technical director Ichiro Yoda says he expects both riders will use the system for the race.

Warm, sunny but breezy conditions with a track temperature, of 35 degrees greeted riders for the opening day of practice.

Shinya Nakano: #56 - Eleventh - (1''44.268)

''This was very a productive day, especially this afternoon when I did some endurance runs on the new tyres; we have gathered a lot of useful data. The grip levels are better than at the IRTA test in March - although I would still like more - and also improved throttle control, but we have made a positive step forward today. Race tyre endurance looks good for Sunday.''

Alex Hofmann: #66 - Seventeenth - (1''45.193)

''I did a lot of work today, especially on tyres, I don''t think I''ve ever spent some much time out running on used rubber. It''s a little frustrating when you look at the times, but our focus is on the race on Sunday and a perfect set-up. I tried some different set-ups at the rear and I am still chasing some more grip, but I think the new surface is a factor; it is different from last year. My wrist is holding up okay, although there is a bigger strain on the left side with the corner layout at this track.''

Ichiro Yoda - Technical Director

''Today was only for testing, mainly for the new concept tyres from Bridgestone and to check chassis settings against the different constructions and compounds. We had five rear and four front tyres for the test programme today plus the different specification exhaust. Tyre performance is already noticeably improved from the IRTA test and the riders also checked the smoother throttle response from the new exhaust.''

FREE PRACTICE - COMBINED TIMES

1. Marco Melandri (ITA) Movistar Honda MotoGP 1''43.317; 2. Makoto Tamada (JPN) Konica Minolta Honda +0.091; 3. Colin Edwards (USA) Gauloises Yamaha Team +0.150; 4. Nicky Hayden (USA) Repsol Honda +0.321; 5. Valentino Rossi (ITA) Gauloises Yamaha Team +0.335; 6. Loris Capirossi (ITA) Ducati Marlboro Team +0.568; 7. Alex Barros (BRA) Camel Honda +0.788; 8. John Hopkins (USA) Team Suzuki MotoGP +0.821; 9. Sete Gibernau (SPA) Movistar Honda MotoGP +0.822; 10. Max Biaggi (ITA) Repsol Honda +0.828; 11. Shinya Nakano (JPN) Kawasaki Racing Team +0.951; 12. Troy Bayliss (AUS) Camel Honda +1.113; 17. Alex Hofmann (GER) Kawasaki Racing Team +1.876

www.kawasaki.co.uk

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