Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Friday Afternoon AMA Formula Xtreme Practice Times:

1. Ben Spies, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:26.766
2. Damon Buckmaster, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:27.261
3. Jamie Hacking, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:27.579
4. Marty Craggill, Honda CBR954RR, 1:27.841
5. Aaron Gobert, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:27.873
6. Josh Hayes, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:28.111
7. Roger Lee Hayden, Honda CBR954RR, 1:28.445
8. Doug Chandler, Honda CBR954RR, 1:28.465
9. Adam Fergusson, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:28.774
10. Jake Zemke, Honda CBR954RR, 1:29.554
11. Steve Rapp, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:29.863
12. Ty Howard, Honda CBR954RR, 1:30.468
13. Jimmy Moore, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:30.844
14. Craig Connell, Honda CBR954RR, 1:31.652
15. Scott Jensen, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:32.203
16. Chris Ulrich, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:32.689
17. Sandor Bitter, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:32.959
18. Lenny Beckman, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:33.211
19. James Compton, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:33.669
20. David Guy, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:33.763

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Friday MotoGP Qualifying Times:

1. Valentino Rossi, Honda, 2:06.838
2. Max Biaggi, Honda, 2:07.092
3. Tohru Ukawa, Honda, 2:07.298
4. Carlos Checa, Yamaha, 2:07.426
5. Makoto Tamada, Honda, 2:08.103
6. Sete Gibernau, Honda, 2:08.251
7. Kenny Roberts, Suzuki, 2:08.389
8. Alex Barros, Yamaha, 2:08.670
9. Colin Edwards, Aprilia, 2:08.785
10. Shinya Nakano, Yamaha, 2:08.930
11. Daijiro Kato, Honda, 2:09.104
12. John Hopkins, Suzuki, 2:09.141
13. Troy Bayliss, Ducati, 2:09.147
14. Norick Abe, Yamaha, 2:09.162
15. Loris Capirossi, Ducati, 2:09.325
16. Tamaki Serizawa, Moriwaki Honda, 2:09.416
17. Noriyuki Haga, Aprilia, 2:09.690
18. Akira Yanagawa, Kawasaki, 2:09.934
19. Nobuatsu Aoki, Proton, 2:10.120
20. Garry McCoy, Kawasaki, 2:11.514
21. Olivier Jacque, Yamaha, 2:11.924
22. Chris Burns, Harris, 2:13.074
23. Nicky Hayden, Honda, 2:13.588
24. Andrew Pitt, Kawasaki, 2:13.871

107 percent of fastest time: 2:15.716

DNQ. Jeremy McWilliams, Proton, 2:25.328
DNQ. Marco Melandri, Yamaha, no time recorded

From a press release issued by HM Plant Ducati:

Bid for the Superbike experience of a lifetime

HM Plant Ducati is offering visitors to its official website the opportunity to bid for the Superbike experience of a lifetime. www.hmplantducati.com is holding an exclusive online auction in which the most desirable lot is an all-inclusive, five-day trip for two people to the Monza round of this year’s Superbike World Championship. The package will prove irresistible to any dedicated motorcycle racing fan because it represents an “access all areas” insight into Britain’s most successful and popular Superbike team.

This incredible package includes:

· airport car parking

· return flights to and from the UK

· transfers from the airport

· accommodation at the HM Plant Ducati team hotel

· transport to and from the circuit

· admission, grandstand and paddock passes

· full HM Plant Ducati VIP hospitality at the circuit

· a guided pit tour with Roger Burnett

· socialising with Chris Walker and James Toseland

· the opportunity to watch Superpole and the races from the garage

· access to the podium celebrations

· post race beer with the team

· a lap of the circuit with Walker and Toseland on the HM Plant Ducati paddock scooters

· signed HM Plant Ducati team gear

· a media interview with MCN

. a meeting with the BBC commentary team.



Until now this type of package has been reserved for principal sponsors and VIP guests of the team and is guaranteed to be the best way to experience the thrilling atmosphere of one of the world’s most historic (and fastest) circuits.

The reserve price is just £1,000 but bids are currently being taken. Do not miss out.

A second lot offers the chance to watch both races from the team garage at Sugo. Other exclusive items will be added throughout the season – including genuine Ducati Corse race parts from the HM Plant Ducatis of Toseland and Walker.

To enter a bid or simply browse, log on to www.hmplantducati.com click on the auction banner on the home page or visit the interactive section.

From a press release issued by Team Suzuki:

Team Suzuki riders Kenny Roberts Jr. and John Hopkins face next Sunday’s start of the most competitive ever GP season with mixed feelings.

The excitement of the all-new GSV-R racer, which arrived in January, measured a big step forward from last year’s first machine, and offers new levels of potential from a much improved motorcycle.

Since then, testing performances have reminded the team that in practical terms, for a second year in succession, they are starting a new season with a motorcycle that is still at the beginning of its development path.

Once again, at the first race the GP Suzuki is only a few months old. It is a significant improvement on its predecessor, but it is up against a field of bikes that are similarly improved. A field of unprecedented strength. Never before in GP history have so many different marques (eight) and so many former World Champions (nine) battled for the ultimate prize in motorcycle racing.

So far, the XRE1 version of the Suzuki GSV-R 990cc V4 prototype has not achieved the balance that will unlock its obvious potential. What is not lacking is the will and the commitment to achieve a competitive level as soon as possible.

One aspect of this comes from the factory racing department, for whom this is the first of two home GPs. After a massive effort to produce the new motorcycle, a complete redesign on the four-cam four-valves-per-cylinder V4 theme of last year’s machine, they have continued to work flat out to get the first prototype ready to race. The first round of the 16-race season sees another round of major engine improvements, following on a major change at the final pre-season tests.

Another comes from the team, one of the most experienced in the pits. “The factory’s big effort with the new bike had an equivalent effect on the team,” explained manager Garry Taylor.

“We know two things. The first is that we have a bike that should be capable of winning races and challenging for the championship. The second is that there is still a lot of work to do before it is ready for that performance,” continued Taylor.

“Suzuka has been a great track for us in the past, with five race wins over the years. It’s also a difficult and challenging circuit, that often throws in some dirty weather to complicate matters still further.

“These quirks might work in our favour. But our main target is to go for a pair of strong finishes, and to take advantage of the presence of top factory engineers to work on what we need to gain strength in the season to come.”

Kenny Roberts Jr, who won the 500cc championship in his second season with Suzuki in 2000, is a former winner of the Japanese GP – but that was in 1999, when the race moved to the Twin-Ring Motegi circuit for a year before returning to the classic figure-eight circuit. His best result at Suzuka is second, in 2000.

New Suzuki rider John Hopkins made his debut at the track last year, riding a 500cc two-stroke in the streaming rain. It was a dramatic start to the American rookie’s GP career – in spite of falling twice and pitting for new bodywork, “Hopper” finished 12th, in the points at his first GP.

After the opening round in Japan, the MotoGP teams and riders take a two-weekend break before resuming business at the second round, at Welkom in South Africa.


ABOUT THIS TRACK

The unique and historic figure-of-eight Suzuka circuit has been changed for a second year in succession, as part of a continuing programme to keep Japan’s oldest and most famous circuit up to date with modern safety standards. This year the infamous 130R curve at the end of the back straight has been turned into a double-apex corner, and the chicane at the end of the lap gained another zig-zag to become a “bus stop”. Riders will have a chance to familiarise themselves with the changes with pre-race tests. Suzuka remains a formidable challenge to riders and engineers, with complex sets of corners, rising and falling terrain, and the daunting Degner Curves (named after Suzuki’s first World Champion Ernst Degner) leading to the underpass and the notorious very slow hairpin. It’s a flowing circuit, putting as much emphasis on riding finesse as sheer horsepower. As a result, Suzuka has often hosted epically close racing over the past 16 years.


ABOUT THIS RACE

Held in the backyard of the giants of the world motorcycle industry, the Japanese GP has a significance beyond that of being the opening round of the most competitive ever season of motorcycle GP racing. Under the gaze of senior Japanese industry figures, everyone involves seems to try that much harder. The first GPs in Japan ran at Suzuka from 1965 for five years, for the smaller classes. The series proper started in the Eighties, again at Suzuka. The race has been there ever since, except for one trip to Motegi in 1999.


RACE DATA

Suzuka

Circuit Length: 3.617 miles / 5.821 km (2002)

MotoGP Lap Record: 2:19.105 –93.606 mph / 150.645 km/h. Valentino Rossi (Honda 2002) (old circuit/wet race)

2002 Race Winner: Valentino Rossi (Honda)

2002 Race Distance: 21 laps, 75.957 miles / 122.241 km

2002 Race Average: 49:32.766 – 91.938 mph / 148.033 km/h

2002 Fastest Race Lap: see lap record

2002 Pole Position: Rossi (Honda), 2:04.226

2002 Suzuki – Kenny Roberts: DNF, qualified Tenth (Telefónica MoviStar Suzuki) Akira Ryo: Second, qualified Seventh (Team Suzuki)

2002 John Hopkins: 12th, qualified 18th (Yamaha)

From a press release issued by Ducati North America:

Ducati North America announces Monster S4R pricing and availability.

(Cupertino, California) Ducati North America today announced pricing and availability in North America for the much anticipated Monster S4R.

The Ducati Monster is a commercial success but also a social phenomenon: with 130,000 motorcycles sold over ten years, it is considered a landmark in motorcycle history.

The Monster S4R is a new and fascinating hi-tech evolution of the first mass-production “café racer”, the best-loved “naked” motorcycle in Italy and all over the world.

With 113 HP, the Monster S4R is the most powerful naked Ducati ever made: it boasts the championship-winning, electronic injection, water-cooled Desmoquattro 996 engine.

The features and technical specifications have been improved considerably, making this new bike an enormous step up from the previous S4 version. One of the most dramatic changes is a stunning MH-inspired single-sided aluminum rear swing arm.

Among an entire host of exciting new features are a practical and elegant variable cross-section aluminum handlebar and a newly designed multifunctional instrument panel.

Initial deliveries of the 2004 Monster S4R will commence in the U.S. and Canada in June of this year. Pricing is as follows:

US: $13,495
Canada: $19,995

Preliminary specifications are listed below:

Chassis Specifications
Frame Tubular steel trellis
Wheelbase 1440 mm / 56.7 in
Rake 24°
Front suspension Showa upside-down fully adjustable 43 mm fork
Front wheel travel 130 mm/5.1 in
Front brake 2 x 320 mm discs, 4-piston caliper
Front wheel 5-spoke light alloy 3.50×17
Front tire 120/70 ZR 17
Rear suspension Progressive linkage with Showa fully adjustable monoshock with piggyback. Aluminum single armed swing-arm
Rear wheel travel 148 mm / 5.8 in
Rear brake 245 mm disc, 2-piston caliper
Rear wheel 5-spoke light alloy 5.50×17
Rear tire 180/55 ZR 17
Fuel tank capacity 15 l / 3.9 US gal (including 3.5 l / 0.9 US gal reserve)
Weight * 193 kg / 423 lbs
Seat height 803 mm / 31.6 in
Instruments Electronic dashboard: Speedometer, rev counter, neutral light, oil pressure warning light, low fuel warning light, high beam indicator, turn signals, immobilize, LCD water temperature, LCD clock
Warranty 2 years unlimited mileage
Tank Colors Red, yellow, black, metallic gray, blue-white
Frame colors Metallic gray (blue with blue-white tank, black with black tank)
Wheels colors Metallic gray (fluo red with metallic gray tank; white with blue-white tank, black with black tank)

* = The weight includes battery, lubricants and, where applicable, cooling liquid.

Engine Specifications
Type L twin cylinder, 4 valve per cylinder Desmodromic; liquid cooled
Displacement 996 cc
BorexStroke 96×68.8 mm
Compression Ratio 11.6:1
Power 83.4 kW – 113 HP @ 8750 rpm
Torque 95.5 Nm – 9,68 Kgm @ 7000 rpm
Fuel injection Marelli electronic fuel injection, 50 mm throttle body
Exhaust 2 aluminum mufflers

Transmission
Gearbox 6 speed
Ratios 1st 37/15, 2nd 30/17, 3rd 28/20, 4th 26/22, 5th 24/23, 6th 23/24
Primary drive Straight cut gears; Ratio 1.84
Final drive Chain; Front sprocket 15; Rear sprocket 35
Clutch Dry multiplate with hydraulic control

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Friday 250cc Free Practice Times:

1. Toni Elias, Aprilia, 2:09.120
2. Manuel Poggiali, Aprilia, 2:10.945
3. Hiroshi Aoyama, Honda, 2:11.291
4. Randy De Puniet, Aprilia, 2:11.436
5. Sebastien Porto, Honda, 2:11.507
6. Tekkyu Kayo, Yamaha, 2:11.517
7. Franco Battaini, Aprilia, 2:11.534
8. Katsuyuki Nakasuga, Yamaha, 2:11.832
9. Yuki Takahashi, Honda, 2:11.837
10. Fonsi Nieto, Aprilia, 2:11.940

14. Roberto Rolfo, Honda, 2:12.824

19. Alex Debon, Honda, 2:14.748

26. Anthony West, Aprilia, 2:16.134

29. Katja Poensgen, Honda, 2:20.196

From a series of press releases from MotoGP:

MotoGP Entry List:

3 BIAGGI, Max ITA HONDA Camel Pramac Pons

4 BARROS, Alex BRA YAMAHA Gauloises Yamaha Team

6 TAMADA, Makoto JPN HONDA Pramac Honda

7 CHECA, Carlos SPA YAMAHA Fortuna Yamaha Team

8 McCOY, Garry AUS KAWASAKI Kawasaki Racing Team

9 AOKI, Nobuatsu JPN PROTON KR Proton Team KR

10 ROBERTS, Kenny USA SUZUKI Suzuki Grand Prix Team

11 UKAWA, Tohru JPN HONDA Camel Pramac Pons

12 BAYLISS, Troy AUS DUCATI Ducati Marlboro Team

15 GIBERNAU, Sete SPA HONDA Telefónica Movistar Honda

17 ABE, Norick JPN YAMAHA Yamaha Racing Team

19 JACQUE, Olivier FRA YAMAHA Gauloises Yamaha Team

21 HOPKINS, John USA SUZUKI Suzuki Grand Prix Team

25 SERIZAWA, Tamaki JPN MD211VF PROTO Moriwaki Racing WCM replacing 28 WALDMANN, Ralf GER

33 MELANDRI, Marco ITA YAMAHA Fortuna Yamaha Team

35 BURNS, Chris GBR HARRIS WCM WCM

41 HAGA, Noriyuki JPN APRILIA Alice Aprilia Racing

45 EDWARDS, Colin USA APRILIA Alice Aprilia Racing

46 ROSSI, Valentino ITA HONDA Repsol Honda

48 YANAGAWA, Akira JPN KAWASAKI Kawasaki Racing Team

56 NAKANO, Shinya JPN YAMAHA d’Antín Yamaha Team

65 CAPIROSSI, Loris ITA DUCATI Ducati Marlboro Team

69 HAYDEN, Nicky USA HONDA Repsol Honda

74 KATO, Daijiro JPN HONDA Telefónica Movistar Honda

88 PITT, Andrew AUS KAWASAKI Kawasaki Racing Team

99 McWILLIAMS, Jeremy GBR PROTON KR Proton Team KR


250cc Entry List:

3 ROLFO, Roberto ITA HONDA Fortuna Honda

5 PORTO, Sebastian ARG HONDA Telefonica Movistar jnr Team

6 DEBON, Alex SPA HONDA Troll Honda BQR

7 DE PUNIET, Randy FRA APRILIA Safilo Oxydo-LCR

8 MATSUDO, Naoki JPN YAMAHA Yamaha Kurz

9 MARCHAND, Hugo FRA APRILIA Equipe de France – Scrab GP

10 NIETO, Fonsi SPA APRILIA Team Repsol Telefonica Movistar

11 OLIVE, Joan SPA APRILIA Aspar Junior Team

13 HULES, Jaroslav CZE YAMAHA Yamaha Kurz

14 WEST, Anthony AUS APRILIA Team Zoppini Abruzzo

15 GEMMEL, Christian GER HONDA Kiefer Castrol-Honda Racing

16 STIGEFELT, Johan SWE APRILIA Team Zoppini Abruzzo

18 vd LAGEMAAT, Henk NED HONDA Dark Dog Molenaar

21 BATTAINI, Franco ITA APRILIA Campetella Racing

24 ELIAS, Toni SPA APRILIA Team Repsol Telefonica Movistar

26 BALDOLINI, Alex ITA APRILIA Matteoni Racing

28 HEIDOLF, Dirk GER APRILIA Aprilia Germany

33 FAUBEL, Hector SPA APRILIA Aspar Junior Team

34 BATAILLE, Eric FRA HONDA Troll Honda BQR

36 NIGON, Erwan FRA APRILIA Equipe de France – Scrab GP

50 GUINTOLI, Sylvain FRA APRILIA Campetella Racing

54 POGGIALI, Manuel RSM APRILIA MS Aprilia Team

57 DAVIES, Chaz GBR APRILIA Aprilia Germany

67 KOYAMA, Tomoyoshi JPN YAMAHA Sp Tadao Racing Team

68 KAYO, Tekkyu JPN YAMAHA Hitman RC Koshien Yamaha

71 NAKASUGA, Katsuyuki JPN YAMAHA Sp Tadao Racing Team

72 TAKAHASHI, Yuki JPN HONDA Dy Do Miu Racing Team

92 AOYAMA, Hiroshi JPN HONDA Team Harc-Pro

96 SMRZ, Jakub CZE HONDA Elit Grand Prix

98 POENSGEN, Katja GER HONDA Dark Dog Molenaar


125cc Entry List:

1 VINCENT, Arnaud FRA KTM KTM-Red Bull

3 PEDROSA, Daniel SPA HONDA Telefonica Movistar jnr Team

4 CECCHINELLO, Lucio ITA APRILIA Safilo Oxydo-LCR

6 GIANSANTI, Mirko ITA APRILIA Matteoni Racing

7 PERUGINI, Stefano ITA APRILIA Abruzzo Racing Team

8 AZUMA, Masao JPN HONDA Ajo Motorsports

10 LOCATELLI, Roberto ITA KTM KTM-Red Bull

11 SABBATANI, Max ITA APRILIA Abruzzo Racing Team

12 LUTHI, Thomas SWI HONDA Elit Grand Prix

14 MARTIN, Christopher GBR APRILIA Seedorf Racing

15 DE ANGELIS, Alex RSM APRILIA Racing World

17 JENKNER, Steve GER APRILIA Exalt Cycle Red Devil

19 BAUTISTA, Alvaro SPA APRILIA Seedorf Racing

21 CAMIER, Leon GBR HONDA Metasystem Racing Service

22 NIETO, Pablo SPA APRILIA Master-MXOnda-Aspar Team

23 BORSOI, Gino ITA APRILIA Racing World

24 CORSI, Simone ITA HONDA Team Scot

25 TOTH, Imre HUN HONDA Team Hungary

26 ALZAMORA, Emilio SPA DERBI Caja Madrid Derbi Racing

27 STONER, Casey AUS APRILIA Safilo Oxydo-LCR

31 SIMON, Julian SPA MALAGUTI Semprucci Angaia Malaguti

32 LAI, Fabrizio ITA MALAGUTI Semprucci Angaia Malaguti

33 BIANCO, Stefano ITA GILERA Gilera Racing

34 DOVIZIOSO, Andrea ITA HONDA Team Scot

36 KALLIO, Mika FIN HONDA Ajo Motorsports

41 UI, Youichi JPN APRILIA Sterilgarda Racing

42 PELLINO, Gioele ITA APRILIA Sterilgarda Racing

48 LORENZO, Jorge SPA DERBI Caja Madrid Derbi Racing

58 SIMONCELLI, Marco ITA APRILIA Matteoni Racing

63 DI MEGLIO, Mike FRA APRILIA Freesoul Racing Team

64 WAY ON, Cheung CHN HONDA Cheung Wing Team

65 KUZUHARA, Toshihisa JPN HONDA S-Way & Revive

66 AOYAMA, Shuhei JPN HONDA Team Harc-Pro

67 TANAKA, Akio JPN HONDA Team Life Hatada

68 SUMA, Sadahito JPN HONDA Team Life

78 LENART, Peter HUN HONDA Metasystem Racing Service

79 TALMACSI, Gabor HUN APRILIA Exalt Cycle Red Devil

80 BARBERA, Hector SPA APRILIA Master-MXOnda-Aspar Team

From a press release issued by Kawasaki Racing Team:

MOTOGP 2003
ROUND 1 – SUZUKA, JAPAN
3 APRIL 2003 – EVENT PREVIEW

KAWASAKI SET SIGHTS ON TOP TEN AT SUZUKA

After a long winter of intensive testing on the Kawasaki ZX-RR, development is continuing at a rapid pace as Garry McCoy and Andrew Pitt prepare for the start of the 2003 MotoGP world championship on Sunday.

Australian duo McCoy and Pitt will benefit from a new chassis and stiffer swingarm, modified engine, and improved fuel injection settings in Japan. The latest evolution of the ZX-RR, which will compete in only its fifth race this weekend, have raised confidence of achieving a top 10 finish.

The modifications, which also included a range of new generation Dunlop tyres, were tried out by the riders at the recent two-day IRTA test in Suzuka, where lap times indicated the four-cylinder machine continues to make positive progress. With further improvements being worked on at Kawasaki’s base in Akashi, bosses expect to be mounting a consistent challenge for top 10 finishes by the middle of the season.

Japanese development rider Akira Yanagawa will race a third ZX-RR as a wild card in his home country.

Garry McCoy – No. 8
“The races have come round very quickly, and it is obvious that we are going to need a few more to make further improvements before we are fully competitive. The test here went better than expected and the gap to the top riders is slowly decreasing. We got a new chassis that makes the bike easier to ride, and we also found a tyre that went better over the distance than what we’ve had in the past. It definitely feels good to be fit and injury-free at the start of the season, but getting in the top ten will depend on a lot of luck. It depends on what the weather is like and how many riders finish. I’ve raced at Suzuka every year in my career, so there’s nothing I’m not used to apart from the new chicane. In 2001, I finished second behind Valentino Rossi and it is a good circuit when you’ve got into a rhythm.”

Andrew Pitt – No. 88
“I’ve only ridden at Suzuka once before the IRTA test and that was back in December. Back then it was quite difficult to get the bike to turn, and that is still a problem though we have made a lot of progress. The bike is easier to steer and it turns much quicker. Hopefully we can be more consistent and the new Dunlop tyres have put us in better shape in terms of lap times. I like the layout but there are a lot of corners to remember. My aim here is to race with a few guys and get some points.”

Harald Eckl – Team Manager
“We tested a new chassis and a stiffer swingarm at the test, and we also have a new and stronger engine which is the first evolution step of many more to come. We expect to be at a highly competitive level by mid-season. We also made some steps forward with the Dunlop tyres in terms of durability. We have also improved the mapping of the fuel injection. This helps the tyres in terms of endurance because the power character is now softer. The bike has been on the test bench at Akashi where we got a lot of information that will be of great benefit, not only for Suzuka, but for the rest of the season. One handicap here is that we only have one of the new bikes for each rider, but that is the price you pay with such a new project.”

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Friday Morning Free Practice Times:

1. Daniel Pedrosa, Honda, 2:16.531
2. Casey Stoner, Aprilia, 2:16.803
3. Alex De Angelis, Aprilia, 2:16.982
4. Mirko Giansanti, Aprilia, 2:16.984
5. Lucio Cecchinello, Aprilia, 2:17.230
6. Andrea Dovizioso, Honda, 2:17.666
7. Youichi Ui, Aprilia, 2:17.911
8. Stefano Perugini, Aprilia, 2:18.078
9. Max Sabbatani, Aprilia, 2:18.249
10. Gioele Pellino, Aprilia, 2:18.320

15. Pablo Nieto, Aprilia, 2:18.755

18. Masao Azuma, Honda, 2:19.625

22. Steve Jenkner, Aprilia, 2:20.314
23. Arnaud Vincent, KTM, 2:20.395

26. Roberto Locatelli, KTM, 2:21.206

28. Gino Borsoi, Aprilia, 2:21.293

32. Emilio Alzamora, Derbi, 2:21.986

From a press release issued by Yamaha:

Round: 1, Japanese MotoGP
April 6, 2003
Circuit: Suzuka Circuit
Country: Japan
Track length: 5821 m
Opened: 1962
Fastest Lap Ever: 2′ 4.226 (Valentino Rossi, 2002 – MotoGP)
MotoGP lap record: 2′ 19.105 (Valentino Rossi, 2002)
Last year MotoGP winner: Valentino Rossi


GP250 lap record: 2′ 25.896 (Osamu Miyazaki, 2002)
Last year GP250 winner: Osamu Miyazaki
Circuit tel: +81 593 781111
Circuit web site: http://www.suzukacircuit.co.jp



2002 MotoGP race summary
If the opening round to the 2002 season wasn’t unpredictable enough, with three tyre manufactures and a wide range of engine configurations – both four-strokes and two-strokes alike – contesting the new MotoGP World Championship, Suzuka added yet another variable – rain. After so much speculation about who would hold all the Aces, come race day the 21-lap event saw three four-stroke machines (from three different manufacturers) stand atop the podium – Honda, Suzuki and Yamaha.

For Yamaha it was the determination of Carlos Checa that put the YZR-M1 on the front row during qualifying, and this continued the moment the lights set the championship in motion come race day. The Spaniard nailed the start and led the entire field into turn one, but it was the aggressiveness of the local wildcard riders Shinichi Itoh (Honda) and Akira Ryo (Suzuki) that dictated the initial pace. Olivier Jacque (Gauloises Yamaha Team) was there in third aboard the first two-stroke machine, just ahead of Checa and polesitter Valentino Rossi (Honda). But the Frenchman’s charge was only to last three laps before he was penalised for a jump start – returning to the pits for the ten second penalty before opting to retire.

A four-way battle formed between Ryo, Itoh, Rossi and Checa, with Rossi making his move on Ryo with six laps to run while Checa secured the final podium place off Itoh one lap later. Norick Abe (Yamaha) was the first two-stroke home in fifth after a poor start, after the local hero spent the race in a two-way scrap with Tohru Ukawa – on the third Honda four-stroke.

YZR-M1 Set-up Report
Yamaha is now entering the 2003 season with its latest generation YZR-M1, which will make its competitive debut at the opening round of the 2003 championship in Suzuka, Japan, April 6. Although the newest incarnation uses a similar 990cc inline-four four-stroke five-valve powerplant to that of last season it now features electronically controlled fuel injection, to improve the linearity of the power delivery, throttle connection to the rear wheel, and fuel consumption. This improved throttle connection will prove advantageous in Suzuka where the rider is constantly attempting to get the power down while exploring the limits of the rear tyre’s side grip. Drive is important, but so is control on a circuit where one corner influences the rider’s exit speed on the next.

The correct combination of rear spring weight, damping and rear shock suspension linkage ratios are a crucial factor in providing good drive and times at Suzuka, while also ensuring the ability to hold a tight line in preparation for the next series of linked turn. This will be supported by the M1’s new cylinder/crankcase layout, which, combined with the re-positioning within the chassis, has provided not only improved rear wheel traction under power but also front-end traction. The front-end traction will be provided by the dynamic weight transfer characteristics of the new chassis design – offering increased braking stability along with a neutral turning characteristic.

Due to the flowing nature of the Suzuka circuit this improved front-end performance will be a crucial advantage, and something Yamaha will aim to exploit with a set-up to suit. Since there is minimal hard braking taking place – only twice per lap – riders are likely to opt for a slightly plusher front-end for improved front-end feel and reduced understeer while trailing the throttle through the first series of linked bends. This may be adjusted slightly for the new circuit modifications, which have taken place entering the final chicane, but the overall effect are expected to be minimal on chassis set-up. Meanwhile lap times likely to be reduced by around one second.

The inline four-cylinder engine itself is all-new, when compared to that used in the final race of 2002. In addition to the modified crankcase it features an altered cylinder head angle and crankshaft, while boasting a more compact design and a 1kg weight saving. All this is achieved with the added advantage of a top end power increase and more linear torque/power curve. But the power race is ongoing, and since the initial pre-season tests Yamaha’s M1 powerplant will feature a further midrange and top-end power increase with the introduction of new engine internal components and a freer breathing exhaust system for riders Carlos Checa (Fortuna Yamaha Team) and Alex Barros (Gauloises Yamaha Team).

These two riders will also benefit from Yamaha’s YZR-M1’s improved aerodynamic package, developed in both wind tunnel and simulation tests. In addition to a noticeable gain on the higher speed straights this new fairing package also offers a stronger link to the company’s R series production line-up. The result is a much narrower fairing design, which still offers similar rider protection, while reducing overall drag. The remaining three Yamaha riders – Marco Melandri (Fortuna Yamaha Team), Olivier Jacque (Gauloises Yamaha Team) and Shinya Nakano (d’Antin Yamaha Team) – will have access to these latest components as soon as the production lead time allows.