From a press release issued by Fortuna Yamaha:

FORTUNA YAMAHA TEAM TESTS
Valencia, Spain
Wednesday November 05 2003

FORTUNA YAMAHA LEAVE VALENCIA SATISFIED WITH PROGRESS

The Fortuna Yamaha Team completed the second of a two-day test today in Valencia, Spain, and take with them crucial data on the new evolution of Yamaha’s Deltabox frame. The frame was first introduced on Saturday during the MotoGP race weekend in Valencia, and was used by Carlos Checa and Norick Abe on their YZR-M1 machines during the 30-lap race on Sunday. Both riders gave positive impressions about the latest spec chassis, and continued to test with it yesterday and today.

Carlos Checa continued set-up of the new chassis today, riding a total of 74 laps with a best time of 1:33.6. Checa’s crew chief Antonio Jimenez explained the next step in the winter test programme for Carlos.

“We carried on using the new chassis with Carlos today to try to find a better setting for race distance,” commented the Spaniard. “It looks like the way we are heading is good, and for our next test in Malaysia we will start from this set-up. Carlos was fast at the Malaysia GP during qualifying so we have a good target to aim for. His race pace was not as good there, so basically with the new chassis our aim for Sepang is to improve his race pace with race simulations.”

Japanese rider Norick Abe spent the day continuing work on engine parts and different suspension settings on his M1. Abe stepped in to replace injured Marco Melandri for the Valencia GP, and stayed on for the two days to assist Yamaha with their test programme. He was also joined by fellow Japanese Yamaha test rider Wataru Yoshikawa. Abe completed a total of 58 laps today with a best lap time of 1:34.9 but unfortunately Yoshikawa had a fall this afternoon and a visit to the local hospital revealed that he had fractured his ankle. He will now fly to Japan for a further examination.

Yamaha’s test programme will continue at the Sepang circuit in Malaysia on 28/29/30 November.