A love of motorcycles that started with riding street bikes led to Ichiro Yoda taking up a job with Yamaha immediately after graduating from Tokyo’s Metropolitan University at the end of the seventies. Yoda’s first project for his new employer was a single-cylinder machine designed for the Middle Eastern market; a far cry from the high-tech MotoGP machines he would work on in the future. But it was not long before Yoda made the switch to the racing department, where he was involved in projects as varied as a four-stroke 500GP machine and a 1000cc endurance racer, both of which were tested but never raced. Yoda also worked on the development of the OW61 500GP engine campaigned by Kenny Roberts, before taking over as project leader on the YZR250 machine that Venezuelan rider, Carlos Lavado, took to the World Championship title in its debut season. In 1994 Yoda returned to Japan to work on the 500GP project, but switched back to the quarter litre class in 1998 to win the All Japan Championship with a young Shinya Nakano. Yoda returned to Europe in 2000, with Olivier Jacque and Shinya Nakano finishing the season first and second in the 250cc World Championship standings aboard the bike that he had developed and built. Yoda joined KHI as MotoGP Technical Director at the start of the 2005 season, after spending his last four years with Yamaha heavily involved in the development of their YZR-M1 MotoGP racer. Q: After more than 20 years with the company your name is almost synonymous with Yamaha. Why did you make the decision to switch allegiance to Kawasaki after such a long time with one manufacturer? A: Basically I wanted a new challenge, which is why I quit Yamaha at the end of last year. I wanted to stay in racing, because I enjoy working in this environment and this is where my experience lies, so when Kawasaki approached me about working on the Ninja ZX-RR project I was very interested. After visiting KHI I decided that this is what I wanted to do; it was the new challenge I had been looking for. Q: Will you base yourself in Europe this year, or do you feel it’s more important to be involved closely in the development programme in Japan? A: The development work will be done mostly in Japan, using the data collected at races and tests, so that’s where I’ll be based. After each race or test I will return to Japan to continue the development work alongside the KHI engineers. Q: You’ve only been with Kawasaki for a very short time, but what are your first impressions of the company as a whole and the Kawasaki Racing Team in particular? A: Kawasaki Heavy Industries is a big company that produces many products, not just consumer products like motorcycles. They are involved in engineering projects in a wide variety of areas, from aerospace to shipbuilding. This involvement in such a range of engineering projects means that KHI has a good level of engineering expertise in many disciplines. And while the number of people working on the MotoGP project is only small compared to other projects, I believe we have the engineers necessary to make the Ninja ZX-RR a success. The Kawasaki Racing Team has a lot of experienced and well-motivated people. Everyone in the team has the same goal of improving our results on the track. It is a good environment in which to work and I think there is great potential for the future. Q: You’ve worked closely with both Shinya Nakano and his crew chief, Fiorenzo Fanali, in the past. Do you think already having a good working relationship with key people in the team makes the job of developing the Ninja ZX-RR any easier? A: Definitely, because we have worked together in the past it is very easy for Shinya, Fiorenzo and myself to exchange ideas and communicate our opinions on the development of the bike, and this speeds up the whole development process. Q: The development of the 2005 Ninja ZX-RR was well underway by the time you joined Kawasaki. Will you have a major input on the continued development of this year’s bike, or is your focus more on the 2006 season and the next variant of the Ninja ZX-RR MotoGP machine? A: Of course, I have to look to the future, but I also need to develop the bike we have now because this is the bike we will race this season. The tests we’ve done so far this year have allowed us to identify very clearly the development direction we need to take with this bike, and what the requirements are for the first race. I think that, with this knowledge, we will be in a position to achieve some good results by the midpoint of the season. Development can also be dictated by your competitors; if they’ve made significant advances during the winter months then your own development programme has to be flexible enough to reflect this if you are to remain competitive. It may be that we have to revise our development plan when we see what level our competitors have attained going into the new season. Q: It’s no secret that Kawasaki have been running a ‘big bang’ version of the Ninja ZX-RR engine during pre-season testing, but what advantage does running a revised firing order have over the more conventional ‘screamer’ engine? A: we can see some advantages already by looking at the data, but it’s equally as important for us to listen to the feedback we get from the riders. From the comments Shinya has made during testing it seems that the big bang engine makes it easier for him to control the bike, especially when the performance of the tyre starts to drop off, which it obviously does towards the end of a race. These four-stroke MotoGP engines produce a lot of power, but this power has to be transferred to the track and that is where the power characteristics of the big bang engine offer an advantage over the screamer motor. The way that the big bang engine delivers its power is better for the rear tyre, which can easily be overwhelmed by the more aggressive, peakier delivery of the screamer engine. Basically, the big bang engine allows us to make maximum use of the grip available from the rear tyre, and this has a noticeable affect on lap times. Q. There have obviously been some big changes in the engine department, but what of the chassis? Have there been any major revisions in this area over the winter months? A: We wanted to keep the basic chassis from 2004, as we have a good understanding of how this chassis works. Because we know how the chassis performs at the circuits we’ve tested at so far this year, we can see straight away the affect that the new engine has on the bike as a whole. I think we will only make some very small changes to the chassis this year, as we need to focus our resources on developing the engine. Q. Shinya Nakano has the smooth style typical of riders who cut their teeth in the quarter litre class, whereas Alex Hofmann has a more aggressive style on the bike. The two also have very different physical characteristics; Shinya is small and light while Alex is tall and 20kg heavier than his Kawasaki teammate. How difficult is to develop a bike that is suitable for two riders who differ to such an extent? A: It is sometimes difficult to change the basic ergonomics of the bike to suit the physical characteristics of both riders, but we have managed to do this with the Ninja ZX-RR. Once we’ve identified a good base setting on the bike I think both riders will be able to fine-tune their individual set up to suit their physical characteristics and their individual riding styles. In terms of the engine, if we can provide as smooth a power delivery as possible then I think this will suit both riders. I don’t believe a difference in riding styles really has any affect on the direction we take with the development of the engine. Q: On the strength of what you’ve seen of the Ninja ZX-RR and the Kawasaki Racing Team’s two riders during pre-season testing, what are your goals in terms of results this season? A: Racing is winning, so we must always aim to win. We’re not here just to make up the numbers, so it is important that we have a clear goal, and I like to keep our goals and targets high. First we must develop the bike into a race-winner and then we must put riders on the bike who are capable of winning races. If we can do this then I think we will see some good results this season. Q: Kawasaki originally came into MotoGP with a five-year plan that would see them challenging for the World Championship title in 2007. Do you see this as a realistic goal based in your experiences so far? A: Yes, I think this is a realistic aim, and this is what we are working towards with our development programme.

The FIM World Endurance Championship starts this weekend with the Assen 500km race. The Netherlands round of the series is run on the shorter version of the famous Dutch TT Circuit, with competitors having to complete 129 laps of the track and two compulsory rider change and refuelling pitstops. Practice and Qualifying takes place on Saturday the 26th, Easter Sunday is a day of rest and exhibitions, and the race takes place on Easter Monday the 28th supported by National and European races and the Dutch Stunt Championship. The usual endurance attractions and sideshows will keep the crowds entertained, and there will be a pit-walk before the start of the 500km race. The winter break has seen a number of changes for the leading teams. Suzuki Castrol’s Vincent Philippe will be joined by Keiichi Kitagawa on the French squad’s GSX-R1000; they are regarded by many as the team to beat. Yamaha Austria have recruited consistent podium finisher Gwen Giabbani and will run two bikes at Assen, while Warwick Nowland joins British team Yamaha Phase One Endurance; after a disappointing year in World Superbikes, Nowland is out to show his true potential. Italian team X-One have switched from Benelli to Yamaha for 2005, while Team 76 abandon Yamaha to become Suzuki Austria Team 76. Aprilia make a welcome return to the championship, bringing the number of manufacturers represented in the championship to seven (Aprilia, Ducati, Honda, Kawasaki, MV Agusta, Suzuki and Yamaha). Thirty four teams will start the race at Assen, with competitors drawn from 18 countries. With many teams having had their winter testing programme affected by the cold weather in February, this will be the first time that they are able to truly measure themselves against the competition. Can the Yamaha teams’ off-season R1 updates match the performance of Suzuki’s new GSX-R? Is this the year that Kawasaki returns to World Endurance form? Can Honda’s Fireblade match the other Japanese fours? Which of the Italian marques will dominate? The 2005 World Endurance season starts here”¦

TEAM GREEN RIDER, JESSICA ZALUSKY, PREPARES FOR THE 2005 SEASON After a busy snowboarding season, Jessica Zalusky has set her sights and focus on her racing for 2005. She has left Minnesota for the warmer climates of Alabama to prepare for the upcoming racing season. Zalusky has been training and testing at Barber Motorsports Park aboard her Kawasaki Ninja® ZX-10R and ZX-6RR. Zalusky will also be a guest rider at the upcoming NESBA track day event at Barber Motorsports Park from March 25-26. NESBA is a non-profit, volunteer-run organization that provides track time and riding instruction at premier racetracks across the country. For more information about Jessica Zalusky, visit her website at www.roadracinggirl.com.

A Connecticut State Trooper has been suspended for 15 days without pay for the “unprofessional, rude and inappropriate” manner in which he responded to a 911 call reporting that a motorcyclist was seriously injured in a crash last August. Justin Sawyer, 21, died of severe head injuries a few days after the accident. Sawyer crashed August 17 in Taftville, Connecticut. While he laid motionless on the pavement with blood running from his ear, his friend Russell Shepard called 911. The call was answered by Trooper Robert Peasley, who responded to Shepard’s report of the accident with, “Yeah”¦too bad,” before hanging up on Shepard. Peasley then answered another 911 call from another of Sawyer’s friends, saying, “Yeah. Help will get there. Shouldn’t be playing games.” After receiving a copy of the 911 calls, Sawyer’s family filed a complaint with the Connecticut State Police, which launched a months-long investigation. “The internal investigation revealed that despite the Trooper’s unprofessional, rude and inappropriate comments, both State Police and EMS personnel were dispatched promptly to the crash scene,” read a press release issued by the Connecticut State Police Department March 22. “Nevertheless, there is no doubt that the desk trooper, Tfc. Robert Peasley, fell far short of conduct that Connecticut residents and visitors rightly expect from the Connecticut State Police and the State Police demands from its Troopers. For that reason, TFC. Peasley who has had a 18-year unblemished career, has been suspended from duty for 15 days without pay.” “I am absolutely outraged every time I hear that ‘too bad’ and that click.” Sawyer’s father Jim Sawyer said in an interview broadcast by WTNH News Channel 8. “It will play over and over and over in my mind for the rest of my life. What I want to see is this officer should be removed from his position as a state police officer. He is not fit to wear the uniform.” David LeBlanc, President of the Connecticut State Police Union, told the Hartford Courant, “It’s a tragedy. But the discipline imposed is extremely harsh and not warranted.”

Racing Performance Services is excited to announce the signing of Shannon Ball to the Racing Performance Services Racing Team. Shannon debuted the team’s GSXR-600 motorcycle this past weekend at Motorsport Ranch during the CMRA sprint races. He ran impressively during his inaugural team run. This is a new endeavor for the company that is made possible by funding from part time Texas road racer and full time fan David Starks. Shannon Ball is without a doubt one of the most talented road racers in the country. The goal of this effort is to provide Shannon with equipment capable of winning at the local and national level. The team will compete at AMA nationals and Suzuki Cup Qualifying events with the intent to provide Shannon equipment that will win. Shannon Ball was really impressed with what the team provided for him during his debut and commented, “This is probably the best equipment I have ever had. I can’t believe this. A month ago I thought I wasn’t going to be riding this year and now I have a fully sponsored ride. I look forward to working with the team to get the setup even better for me.” RPS owner Marcus McBain is probably more excited that Shannon. A former on-track competitor with Ball, McBain has always been amazed at what Shannon can do on a racebike. McBain noted, “This is awesome. I have been watching Shannon for years and he absolutely one of the most amazing riders to watch. I mean just a blast to watch. I know my company can give him the equipment he needs to win and capture the national attention he deserves. With the AK-20 cartridges just released by Traxxion Dynamics, we should have suspension that is unmatched at any event he goes to. That is no bull either. When John Haner came down with some of the high dollar Ohlins cartridges this past weekend at Motorsport Ranch, I told Ty Howard that we better have our best suspension setup of the season. Truthfully, no one was even close to Ty and I think these AK-20’s were the main reason. I am promising Shannon that we should have everything he ever wanted from a racebike. I felt really lucky to be working with Ty Howard before and now I have Shannon too! It really makes the business a lot of fun.” The team will set its schedule shortly and should make its AMA debut with Shannon at Pikes Peak. RPS will continue to support Ricky Orlando and Ty Howard at AMA nationals additionally. Racing Performance Services is a leading trackside suspension solutions provider in the Texas and Colorado markets and regularly puts riders in the top-10 of AMA professional competition. For more information, call 713 304 5509 or go to www.roadracinghelp.com. Komodo Racing Apparel is a new racing apparel provider. For more information go to www.racekomodo.com

A dislocated left shoulder will prevent the Spanish rider from taking part in the second and final IRTA official MotoGP test session at Jerez de la Frontera. The consequences of Carlos Checa’s crash on Saturday 19 March during the IRTA test session at Barcelona are more serious than first thought. What appeared to be bruising to his left shoulder is now affecting the final pre-season tests of the Ducati Marlboro Team rider, who will be forced to rest for a few more days. Despite intense physiotherapy, the Spanish rider, who also missed last Sunday’s final session at Barcelona for the same reason, will not be fit for the forthcoming IRTA test, scheduled for March 25-27 at Jerez. The medical team at the Deux Eus hospital in Barcelona carried out an MRI scan on Checa to evaluate the state of his current injuries, and noted evidence of a dislocation of the left shoulder. The medical report refers to a period of rest of at least two weeks, during which time the Spanish rider will continue with the physiotherapy he is already carrying out at the C.A.R. fitness centre in S. Cugat. “I am really sorry that I can’t take part in the final test session before the start of the championship. I wanted to test on the track that will be the venue for the first round of the season but the doctors advised me against it and I prefer not to run the risk of worsening the situation” declared Carlos Checa. “My leg is not giving me any problems but my shoulder is not yet healed: when it’s at rest it doesn’t bother me, but as soon as I move it I can feel a lot of pain. Luckily in November we already did some testing at Jerez, with positive results, and this is some consolation in view of the first round which will be held there. I will continue the physiotherapy every day because I want to be fully fit for April 10”. As a result Loris Capirossi will be the only rider from the Ducati Marlboro Team to take part in the final winter test and carry on the development work of the Desmosedici GP5 and Bridgestone tyres in view of the opening round. Test rider Vittoriano Guareschi and the Development Team will also be present at Jerez.

In an impressive final pre-season workout Red Bull KTM GP 125 riders Mika Kallio and Gabor Talmacsi both finished in the top six at the IRTA Jerez test (March 21/22). Flying Finn Kallio was fourth fastest, just 0.4s behind the best lap produced by Marco Simoncelli, and is now very confident in advance of the first race, the Spanish GP on April 10. Kallio, 22, was in sparkling form and completed a marathon 181 laps over two days, the most of any rider at the Jerez test. The weather was mostly warm and sunny with some rain showers late on day one and in the morning of day two. Both Kallio and Talmacsi were able to concentrate on set-up work with the ignition software problems that were encountered in Barcelona now fixed. Spanish teenager Julian Simon did not ride at the Jerez test and was rested by team manager Harald Bartol as he recovers from a cracked bone in his wrist. The injury was suffered at last week’s Barcelona test however the 17 year-old will be fit for the opening race on April 10. Talmacsi was less than a second behind the fastest time at Jerez and delighted to be in top six despite a harmless crash on the afternoon of day two. Talmacsi later returned to the track on his spare bike. MIKA KALLIO #36 – Fourth – (1:47.752) : 181 laps “On my fastest lap I came across a couple of slow riders and that cost me some time so I know we have a good set-up, both engine and chassis. I am confident for the season and we are now ready to go racing, the bikes ran perfectly after our problems last week. I did a lot of set-up work to prepare for the first race. The new KTM has more balanced handling and turn-in than last year and it is easier to set-up for my riding style.” GABOR TALMACSI #14 – Sixth – (1:48.138) : 126 laps “I had a good feeling with the bike and a comfortable set-up but in the fast left-hander behind the paddock I opened the throttle and the rear started to slide and I lost control. It was just a big slide and I wasn’t hurt. Later the data showed that I was going 10 kph faster than before, but it didn’t feel like it! But I’m not worried going into the first race, I’m very satisfied, although my spare bike wasn’t quite set-up the same as the bike I crashed. The engine is strong now and I think if I am in the top six I can be up at the front in the first race here at Jerez although there a lot of fast riders.” HARALD BARTOL – Team Manager “Everything is now running smoothly with the engine as we have solved the ignition software problem which was causing some detonation at the Barcelona test and it was difficult for the riders to feel the problem. It was this situation which contributed to Julian Simon’s crash and it was better for him to rest for this test. He will be fit for the first race. We did a lot of excellent set-up work with the new chassis at Jerez, I think we are in a very competitive position for the first race with two riders in the top six at this test.”