From a press release issued by Camel Honda Press Information:

First day of tests in 2004 for Makoto Tamada in Malaysia

Makoto Tamada went out today onto the circuit at Sepang in Malaysia for the first of three days of tests. Thanks to the ideal weather conditions – 30°C (86°F) air temperature, 35° (95°) on the tarmac, and moderate 70% relative humidity, he was able to work well and intensely right from the first sortie of the year. Makoto Tamada concentrated on the 2004 chassis settings of his RC211V, focusing on a number of details involving the frame and suspension. As for the engine of his Honda, the Camel Honda Team rider went out today with a power unit identical to the one used for the Valencia tests in December, and thus an intermediate step. The definitive 2004 version, which is undergoing constant development, will be used later on, as from the forthcoming tests in February.

Using Bridgestone tyres, Tamada was trying out materials that he knows and has tested at length in the past. This solution was chosen so that Makoto could concentrate entirely on the variations in chassis settings.

Shinichi Itoh, Bridgestone’s official test rider, was also out on the circuit at Sepang. The expert Japanese rider is working with the aim of continuing the development of materials made by the Japanese giant for the 2004 MotoGP. He has an intense work programme for the three days of tests that should help select the latest tyres for the season that is about to begin.

Luca Montiron (Team Manager Makoto Tamada – Camel Honda Team)
“We started off with a very successful first day of work, and the experience that Makoto Tamada acquired last year means he has been able to start the season extremely well and with great determination. Makoto made his debut in the MotoGP right here at Sepang in last year’s winter tests. Seeing him perform so well, one year later, on the very first day of tests is certainly reason for great satisfaction. We’ve got lots of work to do and this is only the first in a long series of tests leading up to the competition, so we’re tackling this period of the year with great motivation, as it’s the basis for our future results.”

Makoto Tamada (# 6 – Camel Honda Team – Bridgestone Tyres)
“I’m just raring to go and more determined than ever. The new World Championship season is starting up and I just couldn’t wait to get back onto my bike. The good weather on this first day of work gave excellent results and I was able to gain new knowledge, which I started acquiring in the December tests, of an even more advanced RC211V. We’ll take time to analyse all the details so we can make the most of all the new features that are gradually being introduced to the bike. I’m already pleased with my lap times, but over the next couple of days we’ll also be working to get the best possible performance.”

Times on first day of tests:

Makoto Tamada – 41 LAPS – 2:04.0
Shinichi Itoh – 56 LAPS – 2:05.1