MARTIN AND JONES MAKE GOOD FIRST DAY PROGRESS IN QATAR
08 December 2005 - Foggy PETRONAS Racing

The first day of Foggy PETRONAS Racing’s final test of 2005, at Losail circuit in Doha, Qatar, proved very positive for both Steve Martin and Craig Jones.

Ideal weather provided the pair with perfect testing conditions for the first day of the three day Pirelli organised test, enabling them both to work progressively through the comprehensive FP1 testing and development programme which includes braking systems, temperature management packages, suspension, wheels and electrical system modifications, alongside continued engine development.

Although still to make a full recovery from his kidney operation, it was as if Steve had been riding his FP1 yesterday, rather than two months ago, and he immediately set about putting his experienced development skills into action. The Aussie completed almost forty laps and without pushing hard, finished the day with a best time of 2:04.04 – a lap time quicker than his qualifying and also best race time at Qatar earlier in the year.

Craig continued to make steady progress on his Valencia chassis set up and also test a number of development parts, completing over fifty laps and achieving a creditable lap time, for only his second outing on the FP1, of 2:04.7.

Steve said, “It’s fantastic to be back on the bike and I’m pretty happy with the first day. When I first got here I just wanted to ease myself back into things but I’ve already exceeded my expectations and am definitely on the road to full recovery. I didn’t push too hard today as I’m also not here to chase times, but to thoroughly test and evaluate all the new and development parts to put us in as good a position as possible for next season.”

Craig commented, “I’m happy with the day in general and have got a really good feel for the bike now. It was nice to keep reducing my times right down to just behind Steve and I’m pleased with my progress for my first time out here at Losail.”

UNOFFICIAL TIMES:
1. Corser (Suzuki) 2:00.44; 2. Lanzi (Ducati) 2:00.88; 3. Bayliss (Ducati) 2:01.20; 4. Toseland (Honda) 2:01.76; 5. Haga (Yamaha) 2:01.92; 6. Kagayama (Suzuki) 2:01.97; 7. Muggeridge (Honda) 2:02.18; 8. Pitt (Yamaha) 2:02.65 ; 9. Martin (PETRONAS) 2:04.04; 10. Jones (PETRONAS) 2:04.7

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