From a press release issued by Telefonica Movistar Honda/Gresini Racing:

PREVIEW GP OF FRANCE

It is the famous circuit Bugatti of Le Mans built in 1965 around the already existing 24 hours track to host the 3rd round of the MotoGP championship. The track was inaugurated in 1994 and hosted motorcycle Grand Prix from 1966 to 1995 and then underwent a complex restructuring before returning to host the GP of France 2000.

It is a historical circuit where there is a predomination of corners to attack in first gear, long brakings and sudden accelerations demanding a perfect setup. This layout also demands a good feeling through the front wheel of the bike, leading to good response through the changes of direction in the chicanes and playing a fundamental role in the harsh braking points which follow many fast corners. The most impressive part of the track is surely represented by the very fast right corner at the end of the main straight, followed by a chicane requiring a very quick change of speed – a part of the lap that requires a strong dose of courage and cold blood.

After Sete Gibernau’s victory at the Spanish GP, and after an intense preparation at Jerez last May 3rd and 4th, the Team Telefonica Movistar Honda MotoGp is ready for the third appointment of the Championship on the historical 24 Hours circuit.

#15 SETE GIBERNAU – THE RAIN MAGICIAN

“I must admit that until last year the Le Mans track was not amongst my favourites, as I had never obtained good results and never found a good feeling or rhythm. Last year though for the first time I really felt good and won the race on a wet track, we then stopped to test so I got to lap on a dry track and I admit I now have a good feeling at this circuit.

Thanks to the two added days of testing we did in Jerez after the Spanish GP, the bike setup in the dry is now much improved. Here we did some endurance testing, allowing us to better understand the bike prior to the next GP – I am coming to Le Mans with the determination and desire to repeat my victory.”

#45 COLIN EDWARDS

“To tell you the truth I really don’t know this circuit too well, I raced on it for the first time last year and it rained almost the entire time. It is a “start and go” track: sudden braking, small corners and strong accelerations. It isn’t really one of my favourite tracks but I am sure that together we can find the right setup for the characteristics of the French circuit.

After the 2 days testing at Jerez de la Frontera last 3rd and 4th of May I am eager to go to Le Mans. We learned many things regarding the bike and the new Michelin tyres, I now have a better feeling with my RC211V and it’s time to get the results. I am not satisfied at the outcome of the first two races, now I want a good result.”

FASUTO GRESINI, Team Manager

“After the victory of the Spanish GP we are going to Le Mans both successful and convinced of the potential we have available. Le Mans last year gave us a beautiful victory after a spectacular duel between Gibernau and Rossi. We do know it will not be easy – no race will be this year – but the Jerez victory is important for the moral of the entire Team. The two extra days at Jerez have been vital for the dry setup of the CR211V and I am satisfied with all of the work we have put in.

Sete Gibernau has once again demonstrated to be highly competitive, physically prepared and have exceptional concentration.

Colin Edwards still needs some running in order to find the correct setup with the bike, but we will wait for him as we know he is a top rider and we hope he can demonstrate all his potential as of the next GP”.