Releases listed in order received:

From a press release issued by Kawasaki Racing Team:

MOTOGP WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 2004
IRTA TEST – CIRCUIT DE CATALUNYA
26TH MARCH 2004 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

RAIN STOPS PLAY AT FIRST EUROPEAN TEST

After completing three major overseas tests during the winter months, the Fuchs Kawasaki Racing Team arrived at the Circuit de Catalunya today for their first European outing of the 2004 MotoGP season.

Having unveiled the latest version of the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-RR to the world’s press the previous evening, Fuchs Kawasaki riders, Shinya Nakano and Alex Hofmann, were keen to put the new bike through its paces today. Unfortunately, the onset of heavy rain during the early part of the afternoon forced both riders back into the pit box, just as they were starting to up the pace.

Although disappointed not to have completed their planned test schedule today, both Nakano and Hofmann are confident that, with better weather tomorrow, a significant improvement in their lap times is achievable.

Shinya Nakano: 1:47.089 (31 Laps)
“This is the first time I’ve been to Catalunya with Kawasaki, so this morning we started the process of finding a chassis set-up that will work at this circuit. The feeling of the bike was not so bad for the first time, but tomorrow, when hopefully we’ll have better weather, we want to try some changes to the front suspension. If it rains again tomorrow then I think I will continue riding as long as I can, because I have not yet had a chance to try the Bridgestone wet tyres and I’m sure we’ll have some wet races this season.”

Alex Hofmann: 1:47.800 (34 Laps)
“This morning we tested a revised exhaust system from Akrapovic on the bike and also some different carbon front brake discs. We had planned to work on the set up of the bike after lunch, but the rain in the afternoon forced us to cut short the day’s testing before we’d had a chance to start increasing the pace. Hopefully we’ll have better weather tomorrow and we’ll be able to complete more of our planned test schedule.”

Harald Eckl: Team Manager
“This is the first time that the new version of the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-RR has been seen in Europe and the reaction from all sides has been very positive. Unfortunately, with the rain bringing testing to an early conclusion today, we didn’t really get the chance to show everyone what the new bike is capable of. If we get better weather tomorrow, I’m confident that we’ll see a dramatic improvement in lap times from both Shinya and Alex.”


More, form a press release issued by Yamaha Racing:

Catalunya IRTA Tests
Montmelo circuit, Catalunya
Friday 26th March

RAIN BLIGHTS FIRST DAY OF TESTING IN BARCELONA FOR GAULOISES FORTUNA YAMAHA MEN

The complete MotoGP paddock was back on European ground for the first time this year as day one of the official Catalunya IRTA tests got under way near Barcelona. A sunny but cold morning saw some good times posted by the re-formed pack of MotoGP riders, before the afternoon gave way to heavy rain. Like most other riders, Gauloises Fortuna Yamaha team-mates Valentino Rossi and Carlos Checa, who had limbered up their M1 machines with a display for the public in the streets of Barcelona yesterday at the Team’s 2004 launch, chose not to resume testing in the wet and spent the afternoon working with their teams in the Yamaha pit garage.

Before the weather broke, reigning World Champion and new Gauloises Fortuna Yamaha rider Valentino Rossi posted the second fastest time of the day during a consistent 27 laps, recording a time of 1:45.542. This was a fraction of a second behind Brazilian Alex Barros, (1:45.464) on his Honda. After Rossi came last year’s Championship runner-up Sete Gibernau (Honda – 1:45.803) and Kenny Roberts on his Suzuki machine (1:45.855). Rossi’s team-mate, local favourite Carlos Checa had a less satisfying day on paper, finishing with the twelfth fastest time of 1:46.834. However this was his first session testing Yamaha’s latest engine spec and he concentrated more on set-up than times.

Valentino Rossi (1:45.542, 27 laps)

“We made some progress today, but not so much because it was raining. Like last year here, the temperature is too cold and therefore so were the tyres; the conditions are really different to those of the Grand Prix in the summer here! I’ve had a few braking problems which have been quite difficult to control, but my times have been quite good. We’ve been working quite slowly but we’ve got a bit more potential. I’m also extremely happy because I was on the circuit Security Committee last year and I suggested some modifications to this circuit, and now all that I asked for has been changed.”

Carlos Checa (1:46.834, 27 laps)

“I went out at 13:00 hours, as the track conditions were not right until then and I thought the weather would be okay later. I hope tomorrow I can do more! I tested the new engine spec today, it helps in many areas but we are looking to find a better balance, especially in the front area. There is still not enough comfort and I don’t feel a huge amount of difference with the chassis, but I do feel the engine improvement.

Davide Brivio – Gauloises Fortuna Yamaha Team Director

“Unfortunately the weather didn’t allow us to do what we wanted, but it was an interesting day. This is a new track for Valentino this year and it was good for him to feel how the bike responded. It was not too bad and he was near the top of the time sheet so this is a good sign. Carlos tested the new engine which he agrees helps and is good for him too. However the weather stopped him from continuing to work on the chassis. It was a good day but we are hoping for better weather tomorrow.”


More, from a press release issued by d’Antin Ducati:

Good start for Hodgson and Xaus

Rain interrupted practice today at the Catalunya Circuit in the early afternoon, cutting short the end of day one of the Official MotoGP Test. However this didn’t stop the d´Antin MotoGP riders from achieving their objectives and getting in a good number of laps on a track which both riders barely knew. Hodgson and Xaus can count this first day as a positive start on their Ducati Desmosedici machines, the beginning of the countdown to the first GP of the year.

Neil Hodgson finished the day satisfied and optimistic, after completing 54 laps, and a best time of 1:46.798. “We’ve had a good day today, and I want to thank Michelin, because I have a fantastic technician with me, and I have been testing material which I felt very comfortable with. The team is working better all the time, and you can see now that this is our fourth test together. As for the circuit, the truth is that is seems a completely different track to the one I remember, but I felt happy and I hope we can continue like this over the next two days.”

Ruben Xaus meanwhile was keen to get out on track, happy to be at home and setting a time of 1:46.932 after completing a total of 44 laps. “We have begun work on the same bike as in Australia, although there were a few problems, and we went on to work with our second machine. We have just received this unit and to be honest it felt just as comfortable. The times came just as easy with both until it began to rain, but we have two days ahead of us and we’ve already made the most of this one.”


Times:

1st A. BARROS 1:45.464
2nd V.ROSSI 1:45.542
3rd S. GIBERNAU 1:45.803
4th K.ROBERTS 1:45.855
5th N.HAYDEN 1:45.913

11th NEIL HODGSON 1:46.798
14th RUBEN XAUS 1:46.932


More, from a press release issued by Camel Pramac Honda:

Patchy first day of tests in unsettled weather
Makoto and Max end with 6th and 9th quickest times

Today proved to be not that useful for getting all the details right on the yellow-blue Camel Honda team RC211V bikes. In the early hours of the morning, the track was damp, but then the sun made a brief appearance towards midday making conditions acceptable, but then down came the rain – which eventually put an end to the tests. Making their debut on the Catalunya circuit, the 2004 Camel Honda RC211Vs certainly need some more hours testing to get the basic settings worked out, and this will indeed be essential in order to tackle the first world championship contest on 18 April at Welkom. There are still another two days to go here in Barcelona, and another two in Jerez next week. So we can only look forward to the next sorties out on the ring – and hope for the best. And hope that the weather doesn’t get worse.

Sito Pons – Camel Honda (Team Principal)
“These IRTA tests in Catalunya are a really important opportunity to come up against all the other contenders and get an idea of the general level of all the teams. It’s a pity about the weather conditions today that broke up the rhythm. Unfortunately, there’s no way we can say we completed today’s work programme. In terms of the bike’s competitiveness, however, we can of course rely on the data we got from the previous winter tests, which clearly showed our potential. So I’m confident about the next few days’ tests, when we’ll be able to work more consistently.”

Max Biaggi – Camel Honda (Michelin tyres) 9th – 1:46.424
“I started out on the tests a bit late today as I was working with the technicians to put the finishing touches on some of the settings. I actually went round only for two and a half hours, and the weather certainly wasn’t on our side. We’ve still got to get the settings right on the gears and on engine management – and we need to get our programme worked out for the next few days. I’m sure we’ll do better if the weather doesn’t get worse – but anyway we’ve still got another four days, if we include the tests in Jerez next week.”

Gianluca Montiron – Camel Honda – (Makoto Tamada Team Manager)
“Today hasn’t been without its question marks, which is a pity really since we’ve got a number of new tyres to try out – and Makoto was itching to go. These are important tests, precisely because there’s so much work we’ve got to do. In any case, in spite of the adverse weather conditions, I’m still very pleased with Makoto because he was aggressive right from the first laps.”

Makoto Tamada – Camel Honda (Bridgestone tyres) – 6th, 1:45.949
“Rather intermittent tests, as first the track was damp, then it dried out – and then the rain came down. I’ve got some new rear tyres to try out, and I was expecting a really tough day’s work. So I’m a bit disappointed, as I was hoping to go flat out right from the first day. I tried some rain tyres – they’re new too – but I wasn’t able to get to grips with some of the other settings on the bike. Now let’s hope the weather gets better and the rain stops messing up these tests.”


More, from a press release issued Team Suzuki:

NEW SUZUKIS ON THE PACE AT CATALUNYA

Team Suzuki Press Office- Catalunya, Spain – March 26, 2004:
Rain cut short the first day of three days of MotoGP testing at Catalunya GP circuit today … but not before the new 2004 version of the Suzuki GSV-R had given positive proof of progress over the winter, with Kenny Roberts Jr. setting fourth-fastest time, less than half a second off the lap record, in spite of low track temperatures.

Second Team Suzuki rider John Hopkins was less than a second slower, placed tenth overall, in his first time back on a racing motorcycle since breaking both ankles in a Supercross accident in January.

Today was the unofficial start of the season – the significance assumed in recent years by the final round of pre-season tests, run by teams’ association IRTA and open to all. With all teams in attendance, it is a first chance to assess the opposition, and to measure the value of technical development over the winter.

The results were highly encouraging for Team Suzuki, working to regain the winning positions after two seasons without a race victory.

Roberts was testing different exhaust pipes today, with a lot of other technical ideas to try over the next two days at this track, then two more in Jerez next week.

The test had another significance for John Hopkins, making his return to a motorcycle after surgery on both ankles in January, and an intensive programme of rehabilitation.

“Basically today I wanted to make sure I hadn’t forgotten how to ride,” he quipped. “It’s been four months since I rode a racing motorcycle.

“Right away, even in poor track conditions, I was able to run with the top group. The bike is definitely coming on.

“I tested this new chassis and swinging arm in Malaysia last year, and it was already considerably better. There have been more improvements since then.

“It’s considerably better than last year, and it’s nice to be able to get the times without having to turn the bike settings on their head. We have made hardly any setting changes all day, and we’re already somewhat on the pace.

“My ankles are a lot better – I’ve been able to start jogging, and I didn’t have any trouble on the bike. It started to ache a bit in the cold, but that’s normal,” said Hopkins.


More, from a press release issued by Honda Racing Information:

HONDA RACING INFORMATION

IRTA MotoGP test Catalunya. Day 1, March 26, 2004.

Barros back in the groove at Catalan MotoGP test

The first all team MotoGP test session of the 2004 season got underway at the 4.427km Montmelo circuit, in Catalunya. On the opening day of the three-day test the teams faced overcast skies which eventually heavy clouds, then to rain.

Before the rain arrived it was Brazilian Alex Barros (Repsol Honda) who topped the time sheet at 1m 45.464s, just under the official MotoGP lap record, after just 17 laps on his RC211V. Barros, who returns to Honda for the new season, headed reigning champion Valentino Rossi, with Sete Gibernau (Telefonica MoviStar Honda MotoGP) in third place.

Young American Nicky Hayden (Repsol Honda) ended the day in fifth place, running faster than ever before at the ultra-fast track, Hayden was timed at an incredible 335.4km/h on his RC211V down the front straight.

Japanese star Makoto Tamada took his Camel Honda to sixth place before the rain came but covered several laps in the less than ideal conditions. Tamada, on the only Bridgestone shod RCV in the field, worked on tyre testing on the damp surface.

Colin Edwards, on the second Telefonica liveried Honda, set seventh fastest time. Much like team-mate Edwards felt the day was lost to the weather. Equally damp conditions are forecast for the remaining two days and the two men have enough time to acquaint themselves with wet track surfaces.

Max Biaggi started his day late and covered just 21 laps as he began to adjust to his RC211V fitted with the latest version of the 5-cylinder 990cc 4-stroke engine block. The Italian made several visits to the pits for the crew to work on the set up, unfortunately for Biaggi the rain arrived faster than he had hoped and his serious testing was over for the day.

Fastest laps:
Alex Barros, Bra Repsol Honda 1m 45.464s – 18 laps
Valentino Rossi, I Gauloises Yamaha 1m 45.542s
Sete Gibernau, E Telefonica MoviStar Honda 1m 45.803s – 28 laps
Kenny Roberts, USA Suzuki 1m 855s
Nicky Hayden, USA Repsol Honda 1m 45.913s – 43 laps
Makoto Tamada, J Camel Honda 1m 45.949s – 26 laps
Colin Edwards, USA Telefonica MoviStar Honda 1m 46.165s – 27 laps
Shinichi Itoh, Pramac Honda 1m 46.281s – 46 laps
Max Biaggi, I Camel Honda 1m 46.424s – 21 laps
John Hopkins, USA Suzuki 1m 46.782s.


HONDA TEAM QUOTES:

Alex Barros: “Feels good to be at the top of the list – it has been a while! We started the machine this morning and we really didn’t make any real changes – just rode. It was too slippery to really tell anything but I’m happy with the results. I was a little disappointed to make a small crash in the afternoon but it was no big deal – by the time the machine went down we were going very slowly and there was very little damage. We are not at 100% fitness yet but I am happy that I feel no pain from my shoulder – I need to build the strength and develop more muscle but I’m sure this will come quick as the doctor is happy for me to train properly. We hope for some good weather tomorrow.”

Nicky Hayden: “I was enjoying things this morning – the bike felt strong and it was good to get out with all the riders again. I was real relaxed and things felt good. Then I started to get cold and saw drops on my visor and that was it for the day really! Can’t believe how fast we’re going! 210mph; crazy! We spent some time in the wind tunnel in Japan after the last test in Sepang and I guess we learnt something. I was working a lot on my tuck. I’m sure hoping that the weather improves, as we don’t learn too much when it’s like this. Still, not a bad day; I’ve never been round this circuit as fast as today and we’ve still got two days!”

Sito Pons: “These IRTA tests in Catalunya are a really important opportunity to come up against all the other contenders and get an idea of the general level of all the teams. It’s a pity about the weather conditions today that broke up the rhythm. Unfortunately, there’s no way we can say we completed today’s work programme. In terms of the bike’s competitiveness, however, we can of course rely on the data we got from the previous winter tests, which clearly showed our potential. So I’m confident about the next few days’ tests, when we’ll be able to work more consistently.”

Max Biaggi: “I started out on the tests a bit late today as I was working with the technicians to put the finishing touches on some of the settings. I actually went round only for two and a half hours, and the weather certainly wasn’t on our side. We’ve still got to get the settings right on the gears and on engine management – and we need to get our programme worked out for the next few days. I’m sure we’ll do better if the weather doesn’t get worse – but anyway we’ve still got another four days, if we include the tests in Jerez next week.”

Gianluca Montiron: (Makoto Tamada Team Manager) : “Today hasn’t been without its question marks, which is a pity really since we’ve got a number of new tyres to try out – and Makoto was itching to go. These are important tests, precisely because there’s so much work we’ve got to do. In any case, in spite of the adverse weather conditions, I’m still very pleased with Makoto because he was aggressive right from the first laps.”

Makoto Tamada: “Rather intermittent tests, as first the track was damp, then it dried out – and then the rain came down. I’ve got some new rear tyres to try out, and I was expecting a really tough day’s work. So I’m a bit disappointed, as I was hoping to go flat out right from the first day. I tried some rain tyres – they’re new too – but I wasn’t able to get to grips with some of the other settings on the bike. Now let’s hope the weather gets better and the rain stops messing up these tests.”

Sete Gibernau: “Today the weather spoiled the testing session and we couldn’t test all the new stuff brought here by Honda. I hope that tomorrow the weather conditions will improve. Anyway I’m satisfied and I’m focused on finding the best set up of the bike, I’m not interested in making here the best lap, I’m working in preparation of the first race of the Championship.”

Colin Edward: “Today we try the new parts and we worked all day to find a good set-up. Unfortunately, track conditions were terrible (cold and wet patches), a risk for nothing.


More, from a press release issued by Telefonica Movistar Honda/Gresini Racing:

The rain spoils the first day of official testing.

Test Irta – Catalunya, Day one
Cold weather and rain spoiled the first day of the official practices at the Catalunya Circuit.
Because of the cold temperatures (14°C ambient temperature and 17°C the asphalt temperature), Sete Gibernau and Colin Edwards went on track around 12.30. Because of the rain, practices finished at 16.15. The work of today was focused on testing the new material brought here by Honda, in particular the new chassis and new suspensions, the same material that Alex Barros and Nicky Hayden tested during the winter in Malaysia and Australia.
Sete Gibernau made a comparative work between the new bike and the old one, recording the third best time of the day.
Colin Edwards rode exclusively on the new bike, unfortunately they could only made 27 laps that were not enough to finish the work scheduled for the day. Tomorrow the work will goes on.

Sete Gibernau 1’45”.803, 28 laps
“Today the weather spoiled the testing session and we couldn’t ! test all the new stuff brought here by Honda. I hope that tomorrow the weather conditions will improve. Anyway I’m satisfied and I’m focused on finding the best set up of the bike, I’m not interested in making here the best lap, I’m working in preparation of the first race of the Championship.”

Colin Edward 1’46”.165, 27 laps
“Today we try the new parts and we worked all day to find a good set-up. Unfortunately, track conditions were terrible (cold and wet patches), a risk for nothing.