Camel Honda team launches 2005 MotoGP mission In the prestigious surroundings of the Palazzo della Borsa in Milan, the Camel Honda team officially presented its 2005 line-up to the world’s media. Troy Bayliss and Alex Barros will this year proudly wear Camel Honda’s colours in the MotoGP World Championship 2005, and appeared on the stage alongside Roberto Zanni – Senior Vice President of JT International, Ishii Tsutomu – HRC General Manager and two-times World Champion, Sito Pons – Team Manager. Roberto Zanni JT International Worldwide Market and Sales Senior Vice-President “We chose to have this event here in Milan because Italy is an important market for JTI, and one where we are particularly competitive. Italy is also a country of motorsport and because of this we have launched some of our most important motorsport projects from here; projects which have already been successful and which pushed Camel into renewing their challenge for the title once more this season. This is also why we have chosen two extraordinary riders; two racers who have demonstrated a most fantastic mix of experience and enthusiasm in MotoGP – Alex Barros and Troy Bayliss. They have an important attribute in common, they have an incredible desire to get back on top, and as such are hungry for victory. This makes them two fearful riders on the track for their adversaries. Speaking of their rivals this year, there is another out there who won’t necessarily be such, because he is a friend who got the opportunity to ride with the factory team but will still display the Camel brand: Max Biaggi. I’m enthusiastic about this team and we expect a championship full of excitement from them.” Ishii Tsutomu HRC General Manager “This year we don’t have a title to defend and so that objective is of utmost importance to Honda. I’m looking forward to a very successful season. I think that with Alex Barros and Troy Bayliss we have the potential to win the championship, but success is not achieved just by having a top bike and top riders, you also need good teamwork and the support of a big name like JTI. I am looking forward to next season with confidence, we want to win the championship once more.” Sito Pons Camel Honda “When we present the team at the beginning of a season, I get the same kind of excitement as when our bikes are on the starting grid waiting for the green light. In the team’s 24 years there have been many thrilling winning moments and times which we are happy to remember. It makes us very proud that JTI have chosen to be our partners once more with the prestigious Camel brand, a leader at world level with who we now have a relationship going back three years. The Honda name is now part of the team’s history and in my opinion the RC211V is the best bike. Both our new riders Troy Bayliss and Alex Barros have the necessary talent and experience to carry out the enviable yet arduous task of taking it to victory. To complete the winning formula we have Michelin tyres, meaning that Alex and Troy will have fantastic support in their fight for victory in 2005.” Alex Barros Camel Honda “I am delighted to be here today, because returning to this team, to Camel Honda, is like going back to your friends. This is the first time in two years that I have felt in perfect physical shape and I think that this can be one of the high-points of my career. I will start this championship aiming to win, because as I see it there is no point in fighting for second place. From what I have seen in the tests so far, I think I can say that next season will be one of the most competitive ever, there are at least ten riders fighting for the podium positions. I have got a first rate team, a first rate bike, and I feel good and I hope to be able to use a bit of my vast experience. It will be a fantastic championship.” Troy Bayliss Camel Honda “I have been training extensively and last weekend I got my first podium of the season, taking third place in a bicycle race in San Remo”¦! Joking aside, we head off now for six test days in Barcelona and Jerez and I can’t wait to get started. It is certainly a tough task to get where the others are already, but I want to be at 100% for the first race. At the moment I would say that I am at 80%. I still need to find a good feeling with the bike, but it is coming. Obviously for me to compete with the Camel Honda team is a massive change after so many years with the same bike, but above all it is a great opportunity. The team is fantastic and is work extremely hard to give me the best support possible. Our objective now is to find that missing 20 percent in the next tests. I can’t wait for this season to begin.”