From a press release issued by Proton Team KR:

For immediate release

NEW TYRES AND NEW HOPES FOR PROTON KR AT ASSEN

Proton Team KR line up for the most historic MotoGP race of 2004 with hopes of edging further up into the points, as the development programme of the new 2004 Proton KR V5 prototype racer moves steadily forward.

Two factors lend confidence to riders Nobuatsu Aoki and Kurtis Roberts.

The first is the nature of the machine, well-suited to the Assen circuit’s unique and complex nature. The fine handling of the landmark hewn-from-solid chassis is backed by the increasing consistency and reliability of the latest version of the England-made V5 engine.

The second is the tyres. The team tested the latest developments from their partners Dunlop after the last round at Catalunya, and both riders agreed that the latest developments showed a clear improvement.

One of the Proton pair has finished in the points at every race so far this year except for the opening round. One goal for the Dutch TT, sixth of 16 rounds in the 2004 MotoGP World Championship, is to get both machines in the top 15. Another is to move into the top ten – no easy target in a year when the overall standard has clearly risen, with lap and race records comprehensively smashed at every opportunity so far.

Proton Team KR has the added burden of race-developing new components. The slim-line chassis sets new standards in accuracy and performance, but the team has been kept busy developing the new motor, revised to fit the new frame.

For Assen, the target has been to produce engines with consistent performance and reliability, said team manager Chuck Aksland; while the search for more power continues back at the Banbury base.

With the Rio GP in Brazil the weekend after the Dutch race, this meant a double load: mindful of previous delays with customs Proton Team KR are travelling fully loaded with enough spare engines and other parts for both races. “The guys have worked really hard, and done well. We had to aim for quantity, along with quality,” said Aksland.

The tyre tests had been promising, Aksland added. “That is probably the area with the most potential to help us at Assen. Since our agreement with Dunlop in March, they have been working hard, and the tests showed good progress. As long as we all keep improving, then we’ll reach our goal,” he said.

Assen is the longest and fastest track of the year, but an almost continuous series of curves means it favours good handling and skilled riding as much as sheer horsepower and raw top speed. This is also the northernmost circuit, and unpredictable weather often plays a leading role in the race results.

The Dutch TT was established before World War 2, and was one of the original races on the first World Championship calendar of 1949. The modern Assen circuit evolved from the original public roads, a bypass built in the Nineties finally made it into a racing-only circuit. Major changes two years ago extended the paddock without altering the circuit’s nature.

The TT is traditionally a Saturday race, but there will be little time to enjoy a Sunday off. Teams will be beginning the long journey to Brazil, for the following weekend’s Rio GP.

NOBUATSU AOKI – I AM OPTIMISTIC
After the Barcelona GP we had some tyre tests with Dunlop, and fortunately I found a good front tyre and a good rear tyre. Although I did only a few laps, it was a big difference and a big improvement, and I am really optimistic. I’m not sure how those tyres will work at Assen, but at least our situation is much better compared with one month ago. Also, Assen is not as hard on tyres as Barcelona. The bike is generally improving race by race, so we will wait and see how it goes in Holland.

KURTIS ROBERTS – JUDGEMENT RESERVED
From what I heard, Assen’s a tough track to learn. I can’t make a judgement before I get there. But we’ve had some good news: stuff in the pipeline, and better tyres coming up. My shoulder is feeling strong and good, and I’m hoping for another finish there, and to get in the points again.