Foggy PETRONAS Racing Experiences www.moto-events.info Moto GP and World Superbike race meetings offer an experience you do not forget one that you talk about for weeks, months and years later with your friends. Of course, along with millions of others, you probably see most races on television. The usual shouts and judgements are made as you watch the action unfold and afterwards, you talk about it with your friends, swapping biased opinions and theories about how, when, what could and what should have been done. All good fun, but not the same as actually ‘being there’ and Moto-Events are the people to take you there. It is now possible for World Superbike enthusiasts to enjoy unprecedented levels of behind the scenes access with the Foggy PETRONAS Racing Team. Moto-Events have announced an exclusive partnership with Foggy PETRONAS Racing which provides fans with three great new experiences. The Foggy PETRONAS Race Experience Exclusive behind the scenes team access and superb race event hospitality, available with or without weekend accommodation package. The Foggy PETRONAS Team Testing Experience Join the team for a weekend’s testing session at Lausitzring on 20/21st July 2005, including 3 Nights Superb Hotel Accommodation and circuit transfers. The Foggy PETRONAS Factory visit Tour their state of the art facilities, meet the team and experience at first hand, their commitment to racing excellence. Or as Carl Fogarty puts it:- ‘In teaming up with Moto-Events to provide a genuine behind the scenes racing experience, we’re offering the Superbike enthusiast an opportunity to get closer to the action than ever before. As a professional team, it is imperative that our partners reflect our values of professionalism, enthusiasm and dedication to the sport. We believe that Moto-Events do this better than anyone else. They offer a superb range of services and their customer understanding is unrivalled. This is why we’ve chosen to work exclusively with Moto-Events.’ For further details see www.moto-events.info

CCS Florida and Southeast Regions and USGPRU East Coast Region at Jennings GP, Jennings, Florida, April 3 By Lisa Theobald Trey Yonce won the Unlimited Grand Prix race at Jennings GP Sunday during the CCS Florida/Southeast Regional event on his Yamaha YZF-R6. In the process, Yonce set a lap record for a CCS event with a record time of 1:17.09 on the two mile track (The former record of 1:17.101 was set by Frank Trombino one year earlier on his Yamaha R1). The CCS event at Jennings GP was run in conjunction with the USGPRU East Coast season opener. Racers came from all areas of the USA to compete with both clubs reporting record number entries at this second ever combined event. CCS reported over 600 pre entries and 64 competitors showed up for the USGPRU 125cc GP and 250cc GP races. Amateur Florida racer Josh Day qualified fastest on both his Honda RS125 and Yamaha TZ250 to win the pole position for both USGPRU races. In fact, his consistent lap times in the 1:18s during 250cc GP qualifying put him only two seconds away from the track’s official record setting pace of 1:16.61. Day pulled out early leads in both USGPRU classes on race day and led all 12 laps of each race, putting both machines on top of the podium. Yonce was the breakout star of the CCS races as he and his Yamaha were undefeatable. He made the podium for all five events he ran, winning GTU, Middleweight Supersport, Middleweight Superbike, Middleweight Grand Prix, and beating out all the big bikes in the Unlimited Grand Prix race. On the podium, Yonce said, “Everything worked out for the best. I actually got the best start all day in that race. I came out like third or fourth and ran up pretty quick. Got behind Dave and I said, ‘Well, it’s still early. It’s the first lap. Well, go for it now.’ And, I put my head down and got a little gap and got out front. I got around him and he showed me a wheel back and then we settled back down and I just drove my own race.” Second place Dave McEnery commented, “Trey ran awesome all weekend. I knew he was coming. I told him before the race, ‘I’m going to try to hold you off, but if you get by, I’m coming.’ I heard him right back there going through the infield and I knew exactly where he was getting me because we talked yesterday about where I’m having trouble, which is right where he got me. And, I just tried to stick with him and ran the best race I rode all day. I got the holeshot, which helped.” Third place Shootout finisher Melka said, “Everything worked out pretty well. I was really, really surprised, honestly, to be running third lap-after-lap. I had lots of fast guys coming by throughout the day, and I looked back at the end of the race and they were a little ways back. I was really surprised. But, I’m really happy to be up here with my teammate, Dave McEnery. Trey rode great all day.”

Track: Barber Motorsports Park, Leeds, Alabama Event date: April 22-24 Promoter Practice: Yes Contact: 205-967-4745 Track: California Speedway, Fontana, California Event date: April 29-May 1 Promoter Practice: No Contact: 909-429-5000 Track: Infineon Raceway, Sonoma, California Event date: May 13-15 Promoter Practice: Yes Contact: 800-870-RACE Track: Pikes Peak International Raceway, Fountain, Colorado Event date: May 21-22 Promoter Practice: No Contact: 888-306-7223 Track: Road America, Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin Event date: June 3-5 Promoter Practice: Yes Contact: 800-365-RACE Track: Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, Monterey, California Event date: July 8-10 Promoter Practice: No Contact: 831-648-5111 Track: Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, Lexington, Ohio Event date: July 22-24 Promoter Practice: Yes, 1/2-day Contact: 614-793-4600 Track: Virginia International Raceway, Alton, Virginia Event date: August 26-28 Promoter Practice: Yes Contact: 434-822-7700 Track: Road Atlanta, Braselton, Georgia Event date: September 2-4 Promoter Practice: Yes Contact: 770-967-6143

Home fans to give Rizla Suzuki a boost THRUXTON is Rizla Suzuki’s home circuit and the team will be cheered on by legions of local fans when it rolls up for the second round of the British Superbike Championship this weekend. British Superbike Champion John Reynolds was hailed as a hero after scoring two ninth place finishes at Brands Hatch one week ago with his right leg broken in five places. Since then the 39-year-old Nottingham ace has been spending time with his doctor and resting as much as possible to prepare himself for racing again. Rizla Suzuki racer Scott Smart is looking forward to Thruxton with relish. The 28-year-old York-based rider is sure the sheer horsepower of the GSX-R1000K5 will make it a difficult bike to beat at Thruxton, the fastest closed circuit on the BSB calendar with an average lap speed of 112mph. Thruxton in Hampshire is just 45-minutes drive from Rizla Suzuki’s HQ in Verwood, Dorset. The circuit hosts the second round of 13 in the 2005 British Superbike Championship and thanks to a tradition of producing exceptionally close racing, it is one of the most popular events of the year. Superbike racing starts at 13:45 on Sunday, April 10th. It will be televised live on Sky Sports with a highlights programme on Channel 4 the following Sunday morning. John Reynolds: “I feel stronger with every passing day and hope the fast open nature of Thruxton will allow me to be more competitive than the tight turns at Brands Hatch. On a tight track you are leaning the bike as much as possible to maintain corner speed and my special Alpinestars boot and cast were limiting how far I could lean – meaning I wasn’t cornering as fast as I would normally. “At a higher speed circuit like Thruxton you are more upright and driving through the corners. The more upright the better for me as my boot and cast are thick and are limiting ground clearance. “I have been with my doctor and he says my leg continues to heal, which is good news. Thanks to all the fans for their words of support since the opening round – that makes a big difference to me. ” Scott Smart: “Thruxton is a track that will suit the Rizla Suzuki with its very powerful engine. I have the best bike and team in the paddock and this weekend I mean to back that statement up by getting good results. “At Brands Hatch I proved that the GSX-R1000 was capable of fast lap times. Now the opening round nerves are gone and we can concentrate on putting in fast laps every lap and fighting at the front where we belong. Thruxton is the home circuit for the Rizla Suzuki team and I am sure the extra fans in the crowd will give JR and me a real boost.”

By Mike Solis AFM Round 1 at Buttonwillow Raceway Park Former number one plate holder Jeff Tigert put his Marin Cycleworks CBR1000RR on the top step of the podium in the Mach I Motorsports Formula Pacific race in the opening round of the 2005 AFM season at Buttonwillow Raceway Park, his first win in the AFM premiere class since 2003. David Stanton finished second on his Arclight Suzuki GSX-R1000, with Rob Mesa third after Chris Siglin was disqualified for weaving on the front straight to break the draft on the final run to the checkered flag. Ken Hill moved up to fourth following Siglin’s disqualification, riding a borrowed RC-51 after his own CBR1000RR suffered mechanical problems in practice. Pacific Tracktime’s Michael Earnest coasted across the line to take fifth, with the motor of his GSX-R1000 smoked heavily towards the end of the race. Despite a dismal fifth row grid position, Jordan Suzuki rider Steve Rapp stormed to the front of the Dial It In Track Time 750 Superbike race on his GSX-R750, charging past a number of talented riders including Robert Campbell, Open Twins front-runner Eric Gulbransen, Formula One champion Jon Bawden, and defending Formula Pacific champion David Stanton, who introduced Rapp to road racing in the early 90s. Stanton finished second, with Bawden third. AFM Round 1 April 3, 2005 Buttonwillow Raceway Park Unofficial Results 500 Twins 1. Kurt Spencer (Suz 400) 2. Bobby Lee Broussard (Suz 500) 3. Jon Forman (Suz 500) 4. Josuf Zobairi (AND 500) 5. Jay Jacobson (Suz 500) 6. Patrick Aldinger (Kaw 500) Mazda Technologies Formula II 1. John Davis (Yam 250) 2. Wil Morton (Hon 250) 3. Phil Torres (Yam 250) 4. Phil Snowden (Hon 250) 5. Richard Snowden (Hon 250) 6. Mark Goodrich (Hon 125) 650 Twins 1. Michael Earnest (Suz 650) 2. Kurt Spencer (Suz 650) 3. Brian Long (Suz 650) 4. David Civiello (Suz 650) 5. Jason butler (Suz 650) 6. Felipe Cabezas (Suz 650) Open Grand Prix 1. Rob Mesa (Suz 1000) 2. Martin Szwarc (Suz 1000) 3. Kim Nakashima (Yam 1000) 4. Mike Thompson (Yam 1000) 5. Lyle Brown (Suz 1000) 6. Scott Wilson (Suz 1000) Keigwins@theTrack 600 Production 1. Andy Carman (Yam 600) 2. Grant Riggs (Yam 600) 3. Berto Wooldridge (Suz 600) 4. David Glenn (Yam 600) 5. Matt Weathers (Hon 600) 6. Bobby Fong (Yam 600) Dial It In Track Time 750 Superbike 1. Steve Rapp (Suz 750) 2. David Stanton (Suz 750) 3. Jon Bawden (Suz 750) 4. Eric Gulbransen (Duc 999) 5. Robert Campbell (Suz 750) 6. Jeremiah Grant (Suz 750) Zoom Zoom Track Days Formula IV 1. Jeff Tigert (Suz SV650) 2. David Civiello (Suz SV650) 3. Kurt Spencer (Suz SV650) 4. Tim Wheeler (Kaw 400) 5. Jason Butler (Suz SV650) 6. Brian Long (Suz SV650) 450 Production 1. Ross Wells (Yam 400) 2. Douglas Goldman (Yam 400) 3. Edward Yoast (Yam 400) 4. Dave Norgard (Yam 400) 5. Peter Licht (Yam 400) 6. Karolyn Bachelor (Yam 400) Open Production 1. Mike Mullin (Suz 1000) 2. James King (Suz 1000) 3. Martin Szwarc (Suz 1000) 4. Corey Sarros (Suz 1000) 5. Kim Nakashima (Yam 1000) 6. Joey Hrenko (Yam 1000) Desmoto Sport Open Twins 1. Ken Hill (Hon 1000) 2. Eric Gulbransen (Duc 749) 3. Brian long (Suz 1000) 4. Kurt Spencer (Suz 1000) 5. Jack Pfeifer (Apr 1000) 5. Simon Williams (Duc 998) Kilowatt 250 Superbike 1. Jove Shapiro (Yam 250) 2. Cliff Farrar (Yam 250) 3. Tommy Okuhira (Yam 250) 4. Shawn Herrera (Yam 250) 5. Dylan Benjamin (Hon 250) 6. Clif Jordan (Apr 250) 450 Superbike 1. Tim Wheeler (Kaw 400) 2. Michael Lohmeyer (Hon 400) 3. Ross Wells (Yam 400) 4. Erick Crabtree (Hon 400) 5. Paul Yoshimune (Hon 400) 6. Kenyon Kluge (Hon 400) Mach I Motorsports Formula Pacific 1. Jeff Tigert (Hon 1000) 2. David Stanton (Suz 1000) 3. Rob Mesa (Suz 1000) 4. Ken Hill (Hon 1000) 5. Michael Earnest (Suz 1000) 6. Eric Gulbransen (Duc 999) Aftershocks 250 Production 1. Jay Kinberger (Kaw 250) 2. David Crone (Hon 250) 3. Rick Cramer (Kaw 250) 4. Bob Simmons (Kaw 250) 5. John Anner (Kaw 250) 6. Richard Lesher (Kaw 250) Formula Singles 1. Ben Welch (Yam 426) 2. Chris Keane (Hon 450) 3. Charles Statman (Hon 650) 4. Greg Creech (KTM 598) Super Dinosaur 1. Ross Wells (Yam 400) 2. David Worthington (Suz 750) 3. Mac Rob Castro (Yam 400) 4. Peter Blum (Yam 400) 5. Paul Kieffer (Hon 600) 6. Ed Haazer (Kaw 1000) Scuderia West Formula I 1. Jon Bawden (Suz 750) 2. Garry combs (Suz 750) 3. Tim Kamholz (Hon 600) 4. Jack Pfeifer (Apr 1000) 5. Robert Campbell (Suz 750) 6. Jeremiah Grant (Suz 750) Hare Racing Open Superbike 1. Rob Mesa (Suz 1000) 2. Harley Barnes (Suz 1000) 3. Martin Szwarc (Suz 1000) 4. David Kunzelman (Suz 1000) 5. Jack Pfeifer (Suz 1000) 6. Joey Hrenko (Yam 1000) Strictly Sport 750 Production 1. Robert Campbell (Suz 750) 2. Craig Weirman (Suz 750) 3. Bob Klatt (Suz 750) 4. Don Rudolfs (Suz 750) 5. Liko Miles (Suz 750) 6. Matthew Guilbert (Suz 750) Pacific Track Time600 Superbike 1. Chris Siglin (Suz 600) 2. Tim Kamholz (Hon 600) 3. Andy Carman (Yam 600) 4. Jeremiah Johnson (Suz 600) 5. Lenny Hale (Yam 600) 6. Berto Wooldridge (Suz 600) Formula 40 1. Mike Thompson (Yam 1000) 2. Greg Davis (Yam 1000) 3. Bud Anderson (Hon 1000) 4. Pete Demas (Suz 600) 5. Mike Owieki (Yam 1000) 6. David Paslay (Yam 600) Formula III 1. Carlos Neves (Hon 125) 2. Michael Jarrard (Hon 125) 3. Tyler Reiswig (Hon 125) 4. Dave Heinricks (Hon 125) 5. Jay Pilster (Hon 125) 6. Mark Goodrich (Hon 125)

2005-04-04 SPANISH GRAND PRIX PREVIEW The wait is finally over. Sete Gibernau and Marco Melandri ready for the 2005 challenge After an intense pre-season which has seen the riders of the Team Movistar Honda busy in places like Malaysia, Australia, Qatar and Spain, the 2005 Championship finally is about to begin! For the first time the Championship kicks off in Europe, in a location that we can readily define the Heart of Motorcycle passion, Spain. Jerez de la Frontera is one of the most awaited appointments of the season thanks to the over 130,000 passionate spectators who every year fill the stands and hills of this beautiful Andalusian track. “There are no words to describe the atmosphere in Jerez. The spectators’ warmth is unique. This has always been the first European GP, this year it is the first GP of the Championship so I think the affluence of people will be overwhelming” comments Sete Gibernau. The 2005 challenge begins on the Spanish circuit of Jerez de la Frontera, a circuit much loved by the Spanish rider of the Team Movist! ar Honda MotoGP. Here he triumphed last season, winning the race during a torrential rain storm. The victory of Sete during the 2004 Spanish GP was the first of four victories and ten podiums (ten out of sixteen races!) which allowed Sete to become Vice World Champion for the second year in a row. SETE GIBERNAU will take on the 2005 championship with a renewed determination and all his strength. Thanks to the support of HRC, Michelin and the Team, Sete worked all winter developing the bike, putting together the best package for his riding style. Test after test the Spanish rider has found the correct direction in development regarding both single lap times and racing distances. His incredible results during winter testing are a confirmation of his work, he got great results both on race simulation and fast lap, his first place at the Barcelona Irta test, is a consequence of the work done. “This year the Spanish GP will be an ex! traordinary event. Jerez has always been an incredible place, especially because of the spectators. This year it will be even more incredible as it is the first race of a challenging and amazing Championship season. My best memory of this track is definitely the victory during the 2004 GP. It was the first of a challenging season where I fought for the title until the penultimate race. Aside from my liking to this track, I am coming to Jerez concentrated on myself and on the team. We are strong after all the work we have done this winter. To strengthen the relationship with the Team, HRC and Michelin was one of my pre-season objectives, and I must admit, I reached my goal. During the winter testing we all worked together, focusing in one direction and I am very pleased with the results we have made. There is more work to be done but the single lap times and race pace has been very satisfying and has confirmed that we have a very strong base to work with. Compared to l! ast year, I feel much stronger, both physically and mentally. I have grown a lot, and the team has grown with me. I feel ready and, after a lot of hard work during winter testing, I can’t wait to start racing.” The Team Movistar Honda lines up for the 2005 challenge the experienced Sete Guibernau and the young hope Marco Melandri. With a 250cc World Championship title and 2 years experience in MotoGP, the 22- year-old MARCO MELANDRI arrives to the Honda family with the Gresini Team to be, together with Sete Gibernau, the bearer of the colours of the Team Movistar in the MotoGP class. Marco will take on the first race feeling strong and reassured after his brilliant winter apprenticeship. The “step by step” approach during the winter tests gave fantastic results and Marco learned and worked serenely. After the November 2004 debut with the RC211V, Marco’s confidence with the bike soared test after test. With more trust in! both himself and the bike his lap times started to better. An incredible race simulation in Qatar, a great fourth place in the Barcelona qualifying tests, and a good result this last weekend in Jerez have represented for him a great step forward. “The work brought forward in Jerez has been very important as I have been able to better my race pace. Every day I did about 90 laps and on the third day I dedicated myself to a race simulation. During this testing occasion in Jerez, I have been able to try the bike in wet conditions. It is the first time in fact that I have tried the RC211V in wet conditions and I have had very positive feedback. On Sunday I even had the chance to make my single lap time better as Michelin allowed me to use qualifying tyres. Therefore I was able to practise and I must admit that I am very pleased with my timed lap, the second best time overall on Sunday 27th March. Now I feel as though I am a more complete rider and I am rea! dy for the 2005 challenge,” comments Marco Melandri. Marco begins his first season on the RC211V with a new spirit: “I have finally found once again the desire to ride. I am having fun on the bike and I have found a team that believes in me and supports the work I do. In the Gresini team I have found the ideal work environment and with the RC211V an extraordinary bike which adapts well to my riding style. I really like the bike, and each time I ride it I try to get to know it better, to listen to it. I can’t wait to get onto the track in Jerez. It is a circuit I really like because it is technical and it is complete. The circuit requires a fluid ride. The time is made on the quick corners, especially the last two right ones. The best places to overtake are at the end of the two straights. Jerez is nice not only for the track but also for its spectators. The sensation that you feel when you enter the stadium is incredible. From a spectator point of view! , I think it is the most fascinating GP of the entire Championship”. JEREZ DE LA FRONTERA THE TRACK circuit: Jerez de la Frontera Opened: 1986 Modified : 2002 Length: 4,423 m Width: 11 m Pole position: left Right turns: 5 Left Turns: 8 Longest straight: 600 m RECORD: best lap: 2003 Rossi (Honda) 1’41″900 Track Record: 2003 Rossi (Honda) 1’42″788 pole position: 2004 Rossi (Yamaha) 1’40″ 818 2004 GP: 1° Gibernau (Honda) 2° Biaggi (Honda) 3° Barros (Honda) More, from a press release issued by Suzuki Racing: Team SUZUKI MotoGP looking forward to season opener Team SUZUKI MotoGP begins its quest for Grand Prix glory at the first round of the MotoGP World Championship in Jerez, Spain, on April 10th. Kenny Roberts Jr and John Hopkins are both confident of improved results following successful tests this year, where they have been able to get closer to the top of the timesheets. Less than two-weeks ago the Suzuki racers posted competitive lap times at the Jerez circuit, and they are hoping to turn this potential into solid results. The latest version of the GSV-R Grand Prix prototype has undergone many changes since the end of the 2004 campaign. It has benefited from a rise in power to increase acceleration and the Suzuki Factory has also focussed on improved controllability. These improvements have helped the superb handling GSV-R to become a better all-round package for Roberts Jr and Hopkins to compete with. The Jerez race is the first in a 17 round season that will see the Suzuki team compete in Europe, return to the USA for the first time in 10 years and visit new circuits in China and Turkey. Jerez will also mark the first race for new team manager Paul Denning, who joined Team SUZUKI MotoGP in January following a successful season in British Superbikes where his Rizla Suzuki outfit won both the manufacturer and rider Championships. The Spanish Grand Prix from Jerez begins at 14.00CET and will be televised globally to an audience in excess of 320 million fans. Kenny Roberts Jr: “Suzuki, Bridgestone and the team have made some big steps this winter and the package is at a much better position than before. There are certain issues that we need to still work on, and we don’t know yet where we are at over race distance, but I’m looking forward to racing the bike and finding out.” John Hopkins: “I’m really excited about this weekend. We’ve done so much testing I can’t wait to get racing again. I’m feeling confident for the coming season and I need to start winning again – it’s been so long since I last won a race I need to start doing it again and remind myself how good it feels.” Paul Denning – Team Manager: “All the team are enthusiastically anticipating the first GP of 2005. Pre-season testing has gone well and clearly Team SUZUKI MotoGP is going in the right direction. There is no doubt that we still have a lot of hard work ahead of us, but everybody will be working to their full potential to secure the best possible finishes for Suzuki at Jerez.” More, from a press release issued by Camel Honda: Camel Honda starts off MotoGP 2005 at a favourite track The MotoGP World Championship 2005 gets under way this coming Sunday, April 10th, with the first race taking place at the Spanish Jerez track, a circuit which has seen Camel Honda colours on the podium both in 2003 and 2004. The Andalusian track also holds good memories for both of the team’s riders, Alex Barros and Troy Bayliss. Alex Barros took his first podium of 2004 at the circuit, whilst Troy Bayliss made his first ever podium appearance in MotoGP there in 2003. With tests coming to a close ten days ago, the positive work done by the team throughout the winter became apparent, and the riders cannot wait for the new season to begins. Sito Pons Camel Honda “This is an important moment for us, because we are beginning a new season, and we have high expectations. We are beginning a new project, with two new riders; one of whom, Barros, already rode with us in the past and is a returning friend, whilst the other, Bayliss, is the kind of guy we have already begun to appreciate. They are both experienced, quick and are full of determination. Another reason to be happy is that the 2005 season kicks off in Spain, and at Jerez, a charismatic place which will undoubtedly play host to another fantastic event once more. We did some great work over winter and I am sure that our two riders will be taking the team to the front of the pack from the very start.” Alex Barros #4: “We have worked hard during winter, and in Jerez even more so. The last test day I did over a hundred laps, testing everything required both on the bike and the tyres. At the beginning the RCV was a little nervous and I wasn’t able to ride it cleanly, but by the end we have found a good set-up. I think we are quite ready for the race, which will certainly be hard-fought. From what I have seen during the winter tests, there was hardly anything to choose between so many riders on several occasions, so I think this season will be very, very tough and extremely competitive. I feel good, comfortable with my bike, and more in shape than I have been for so long. I’m ready to begin.” Troy Bayliss #12: “Finally the tests came to an end, and the championship is now beginning. During winter not everything was rosy for me, but despite a few difficulties, we have made a lot of progress. In Jerez I wasn’t as quick as in the December tests, and frankly, I still don’t know why, but the effort both myself and the team put in has been enormous. This Sunday we will see if we are able to capitalise on the hard work we have done up to now. I simply can’t wait for the race to come around.”

CONFIDENCE HIGH AS KAWASAKI HEAD FOR SEASON OPENER The 2005 MotoGP World Championship season opens with the Spanish Grand Prix at Jerez on Sunday 10 April, with Kawasaki factory riders, Shinya Nakano and Alex Hofmann, eager to begin the 17-race campaign. After seemingly endless days of winter testing with the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-RR it is finally time to go racing. This will be the longest ever MotoGP season, during which the sport will continue its global expansion with new races in China and Turkey. In a welcome return America, the single largest motorcycle market in the world, rejoins the calendar with the USGP to be held at Laguna Seca for the first time since 1994. Jerez will mark the race debut of the latest evolution of the Ninja ZX-RR MotoGP machine, now powered by a big-bang version of Kawasaki’s 990cc, inline four-cylinder engine. The revised motor only made its public debut in February, but has already shown promising performance potential despite still being in the early stages of development. However, combining the race programme with the experimental demands of testing and research will be a challenging, and at times thankless, task during a busy Grand Prix campaign. Riders Nakano and Hofmann will be familiar faces aboard the Ninja ZX-RR machines, but there are some new men behind the scenes, which reflects Kawasaki’s on-going commitment to achieving MotoGP success. Acclaimed Japanese engineer, Ichiro Yoda, has been appointed Technical Director, while experienced Italian race engineer, Fiorenzo Fanali, is the new crew chief for Nakano. The Kawasaki team completed pre-season preparations at the official IRTA test session at Jerez just last week. Impressive performances by Nakano and Hofmann on their Bridgestone shod Ninja ZX-RR machines have put the team and the riders in a buoyant mood going into the opening race. Both chassis balance and tyre consistency are important factors at the 13-turn Jerez circuit, which is known for a track surface that offers high levels of grip but is also highly abrasive. As usual, the hillsides and grandstands surrounding the stadium style Jerez circuit will be packed with upwards of 140,000 race fans, guaranteeing a unique atmosphere for the opening Grand Prix of 2005. Shinya Nakano: #56 “I like the Jerez track and the sheer number of fans packing the stands and the hillsides make this race a great one with which to start the new season. We have a lot of data from our tests here, both with the big bang engine and the latest chassis. It is important that you have a good chassis balance at this track, because there are so many direction changes, and that you don’t attack the track too aggressively. Push hard at Jerez and you usually end up with a slower lap time than you were expecting. I like the final section of the track in particular, from the fast left corners leading into the flowing right-handers, and it is this section that is critical to a fast time around this circuit. After all the testing, I can’t wait to go racing now.” Alex Hofmann: #66 “At long last I get to go racing. It’s been a long wait through all the testing, but the first race is finally here. Jerez is a good track for me and it should definitely suit the characteristics of the Ninja ZX-RR, especially because outright top speed isn’t so important to a fast lap here. I’ve had limited time with the new big bang engine, but my initial impressions have been positive; it’s definitely a step forward. Throttle connection and overall balance through the fast corners are the key factors to a fast lap at Jerez. I want to make a strong start to my championship campaign, so it’s maximum attack from the word go at Jerez for me.”

DUCATI MARLBORO MEN RARING TO GO RACING Ducati Marlboro Team riders Loris Capirossi and Carlos Checa are raring to go racing next weekend after a long winter of testing and development work. The pair has covered thousands of kilometres at tracks in Europe, the Middle East, South East Asia and Australia, working to make sure their Ducati Marlboro Team Desmosedici GP5s performs at their best throughout the 2005 MotoGP World Championship, from Sunday’s season-opening Marlboro Spanish GP, all the way through to the 17th and final race in November. Capirossi and Checa have enjoyed some success during winter testing. Capirossi topped the time charts twice – at Valencia last November and at Sepang in January – proving that he is full of fight. Checa meanwhile set the pace at Jerez last November but had to miss last month’s final Jerez tests after sustaining a shoulder injury at Catalunya. Both men are confident in the performance of the 2005 Ducati Marlboro Team Desmosedici GP5, the latest version of the immensely powerful V4 which roared onto the World Championship scene in 2003, taking its first pole position at Jerez and its first victory at Catalunya. The 2004 bike took longer to get up to speed but was a real force by the end of last season, scoring podium finishes at the final two races and taking a new lap record at the Australian GP. During the winter Ducati Marlboro Team engineers have worked closely with their technical partners, including Bridgestone and Shell Advance, to build on that progress and create a totally balanced machine for 2005. The big red Duke is already one of the most awesome machines in MotoGP, producing more than 230 horsepower and capable of exceeding 330kmh. “Our off-season testing has gone very well, we’re in much better shape than we were at the start of last season,” says Ducati Marlboro Team MotoGP project manager Livio Suppo. “The factory and the team have worked hard this winter and I think we’ve done a good job. The bike has improved in many areas, but while the most difficult thing to achieve at this level of performance is overall balance, I think this year’s machine is a very balanced package. “Both our riders have done many thousands of kilometres of testing, now they finally get to do what they love doing – racing! Loris has shown his speed throughout the winter, he is definitely ready to race. Carlos has also been very fast during testing. It was a real shame he missed our most recent Jerez session but he went very well when we tested there last November, so I don’t think missing the tests should be a problem for him”. Ducati Marlboro Team technical director Corrado Cecchinelli has been working with Capirossi and Checa throughout the winter and knows exactly what is required for this vital season-opening GP. “There are some fast corners at Jerez and riders need a lot of confidence to attack these turns,” he says. “Plus they need good power delivery because you use a lot of gas through these corners. Riders also need big confidence in the front end so they can attack the turns. The track is a good mix – it’s got no long straights but plenty of fast turns and some hairpins, so you need a well balanced bike.” CAPIROSSI UP FOR FIRST JEREZ MotoGP PODIUM Hard to believe, but Loris Capirossi commences his 16th World Championship season at Jerez this weekend, which means the 32-year old has spent exactly half his life on the GP circuit! And, maybe even harder to believe, the evergreen Italian will be going for his first premier-class podium at the track. Although Capirossi has been racing at Jerez since 1990 he has only scored three podiums at the track (in 125s and 250s, including a 250 win in 1998). “I like the track a lot, but there have been times when I’ve not had so much luck at Jerez,” says Capirossi, the second most experienced rider on the MotoGP grid, after Alex Barros. “Jerez is a very interesting track for the rider – there are a lot of fast corners and the circuit is very up and down, so you have to deal with changing camber. But the best thing about Jerez is the fans – they are really into the racing and they make a lot of noise! Most of all I’m just really happy to be racing again this weekend. We have worked hard all through the winter, working towards the racing season. The bike is much better than the first part of last year, much more balanced, and I’m impressed with the work Bridgestone is doing. The qualifying tyres I tested at Jerez a few days ago were excellent, the rear race tyres were also good and even the fronts worked well.” CHECA SHOULD BE 100 PER CENT FIT Carlos Checa had enjoyed some impressive winter tests until he took part in last month’s session at Catalunya. The Ducati Marlboro Team’s newest signing had been fastest at Jerez last November and in the top three at Valencia and Phillip Island, but he fell at Catalunya, suffering a dislocated left shoulder and a badly bruised left calf. The shoulder injury forced him to miss final testing at Jerez but the Spaniard believes he should be fully fit for the season-opening GP. “The crash was a big impact but I’ve been able to recover quite quickly,” says ‘El Toro’, who has been undergoing intensive physiotherapy in a Barcelona clinic. “I could even have taken part in the Jerez tests but the doctors and physios recommended that I should not, because it would probably aggravate the shoulder injury. Now the shoulder has had plenty of rest, so I should be 100 per cent fit for the first race.” Despite this setback Checa is full of confidence after some promising performances at other tracks. “The bike worked well at Jerez, Valencia, Phillip Island and Sepang,” he adds. “The only places where I wasn’t really happy were Losail and Catalunya. Overall the bike is at a good level but we need a bit more from it to fight for the win. We need to work on chassis performance, especially in slow corners, and Ducati has some ideas to give us what we need. The first race is in Spain so this is a very big weekend for me – my first race for Ducati and in front of my home crowd. I think we should be close to being right on the pace, I can’t wait.” THE TRACK Jerez is one of the most popular events on the MotoGP calendar, regularly attracting weekend crowds in excess of 200,000. Constructed in 1986, the track hosted its first Grand Prix the following year and has remained on the World Championship calendar ever since. But this is the first time that Jerez has hosted a season-opening GP. Most riders love the Andalucian venue because it’s a track that can reward real rider talent over pure machine performance. Many of the circuit’s 13 corners flow into one another, placing the emphasis on smooth, neat riding and stable, all-round machine performance. The circuit character places particular emphasis on front-tyre grip, though the many slow-speed turns also require MotoGP riders to control wheelspin as they power out of the corners. Three years ago the track underwent resurfacing and total reconstruction of its infrastructure. JEREZ: 4.423km/2.748 miles Lap record: Valentino Rossi (Honda) 1:42.788, 154.909kmh/96.256mph (2003) Pole position 2004: Valentino Rossi (Yamaha), 1:40.818 DUCATI MARLBORO TEAM RIDER DATA LOGS LORIS CAPIROSSI Age: 32 (born April 4, 1973) Lives: Monaco Bike: Ducati Marlboro Team Desmosedici GP5 GP victories: 23 (1xMotoGP, 2×500, 12×250, 8×125) First GP victory: Britain, 1990 (125) First GP: Japan, 1990 (125) GP starts: 216 (46xMotoGP, 59×500, 84×250, 27×125) Pole positions: 36 (3xMotoGP, 5×500, 23×250, 5×125) First pole: Australia, 1991 (125) World Championships: 3 (125: 1990, 1991, 250: 1998) Jerez 2004 results: Grid: 15th. Race: 12th CARLOS CHECA Age: 32 (born October 15, 1972) Lives: London, England Bike: Ducati Marlboro Team Desmosedici GP5 GP victories: 2 (500) First GP victory: Catalunya, 1996 (500) First GP: Europe, 1993 (125) GP starts: 168 (47xMotoGP, 92×500, 27×250, 1×125) Pole positions: 3 (2xMotoGP, 1×500) First pole: Spain, 1998 (500) Jerez 2004 results: Grid: 3rd. Race: 6th