From a press release:

KANEMOTO RACING TARGET TOP TEN

Kanemoto Racing arrive in Mugello this week, determined to chase the elusive extra second that would move them toward their first top-ten placing of the season, at the Italian Grand Prix on Sunday 2 June.

The Team are looking forward to the superb facilities at the Mugello Circuit, bought by Ferrari in 1988 as their official testing circuit. The very fast Mugello circuit contains some quick bends and a distinctive ‘esses’ section, where the high-speeds maintained through the successive turns could benefit two-stroke entries.

Jurgen van den Goorbergh understands well the fast precise riding the 5.245km circuit requires and is looking forward to taking the Honda NSR500
two-stroke through its paces at one of his favourite circuits.

“Mugello is a terrific circuit fast corners, chicanes and high top speeds it is one of my favourite places to race. I was disappointed with the result in Le Mans and know we are capable of a higher place finish in Italy” said Vd Goorbergh, “I am now fully fit after feeling unwell all weekend in Le Mans and have enjoyed some time to relax and enjoy the atmosphere of my local Formula One event coming to Monaco.”

Team Owner and Manager Erv Kanemoto acknowledged the technical challenge of the sometimes-bumpy circuit and is looking forward to testing a new Bridgestone compound for the rear tyre, in round five of the 16-round MotoGP World Championship.

“The Mugello esses are unique and machine set-up is vital there to ensure the correct entry into that section which in turn sets the rider-up for a good exit. We were disappointed coming away from Le Mans but the front tyre compound we used there worked well and should again in Mugello. In partnership with Bridgestone we are working hard on tyre development. We will try a new rear compound in Mugello and testing continues after the event also with a session at the round ten venue, Brno in the Czech republic.”

Kanemoto Racing, 12th placed in the Team championship and Jurgen van den Goorbergh, currently 19th in the riders tables are looking forward to racing in front of the large crowds and great atmosphere guaranteed in Mugello as they aim at their first top-ten finish of the season.




MUGELLO FACT FILE

The Mugello circuit has staged MotoGP since 1991 and enjoys a superb setting amongst the Tuscan countryside, above Florence. The undulating nature of the 5.245km track generates a tremendous atmosphere among fans while providing a demanding test for riders. In 1988 the Mugello circuit was bought by Ferrari, as a test track, who developed the supporting facilities to a high standard.

Length: 5.245km
Direction: Clockwise
Pole Position: Right
Right corners: Nine
Left corners: Six
Width: 14m
Longest Straight: 1,141m
Constructed: 1974

Lap record: Mick Doohan (Honda) 1:53.342/ 166.593 kph (17/5/98)

Pole-setting lap 2001: Valentino Rossi (Honda) 1m54.994s

500cc Race Winner 2001: Alex Barros (Honda) 49m26.006s/146.421km/h