FPR WRAPS UP ''EXCELLENT'' QATAR TEST
09 December 2005 - Foggy PETRONAS Racing

Another day of perfect testing conditions in Qatar, enabled FPR’s Steve Martin and Craig Jones to complete a comprehensive and excellent three day test at the Losail desert circuit.

Foggy PETRONAS Racing used the Pirelli organised test - attended by a number of the factory World Superbike teams - to work through its comprehensive testing and development schedule for the PETRONAS FP1, to include tyre evaluation, braking systems, temperature management packages, suspension, wheels and electrical system modifications, alongside continued engine development.

Steve Martin only ran during the morning session, due to weakness and fitness limitations following surgery to his kidney just six weeks ago, but commented to be extremely happy with what had been achieved over the last few days. And again without pushing himself, Steve posted a best lap time of 2:01.80 - almost 1.5 seconds quicker than his fastest lap at Losail during the World Superbike race event there earlier in the year, when he was fully fit and riding to his potential.

Craig made even further progress with his bike set up and was able to achieve over fifty laps and a slightly improved lap time of 2:02.50. The young Brit also comes away from the test with a chassis package and tyre combination he is very confident with, is happy with his development work and has also gained a good deal of further experience of riding the FP1.

Steve Martin said, “I''m really happy with the test, including the lap time I got down to. I''m exceptionally happy that we got through all the things we had to test, as this has given the team a really good direction to improve from yet again, in time for our test at Philip Island in January when I will be 100% recovered and fit.”

Craig Jones commented, “I am really pleased with what we’ve achieved at this test overall, in terms of evaluating development parts and also with how I’ve progressed and the experience I’ve gained in riding the FP1, especially with this being my first visit to the Losail circuit as well. I’m a little bit disappointed with today though, as I started off right on the pace where I left off yesterday, but then could not really improve and my concentration was not fully there. I don''t feel tired or ‘pumped up’ or even ‘sweaty’, but just run down. It’s probably a combination of being ill yesterday and also experiencing for the first time how much effort is involved in riding a superbike for three days – and my blistered hands will remind me of that!

Team Manager, Jack Valentine, commented, “This has been an extremely positive and excellent test. Both Steve and Craig have done a great job these last few days, despite some fitness and illness issues which they worked through, to get through a tremendous amount of development work. They’ve also achieved good race set ups and tyre combinations for the first race of the season here in Qatar, next February. The team is now looking forward to a busy few weeks in the workshop before the first test of 2006 at Phillip Island in January.”

OVERALL UNOFFICIAL TIMES
1. Bayliss (Ducati) 1:58.60; 2. Corser (Suzuki) 1:59.17; 3. Lanzi (Ducati) 1:59.40; 4. Toseland (Honda) 2:00.10; 5. Haga (Yamaha) 2:00.46; 6. Kagayama (Suzuki) 2:00.62; 7. Muggeridge (Honda) 2:00.68; 8. Pitt (Yamaha) 2:00.81; 9. Martin (PETRONAS) 2:01.80; 10. Jones (PETRONAS) 2:02.50

www.foggypetronasracing.com

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