From a press release issued by Telefonica Movistar Honda/Gresini Racing:

THE WAITING IS OVER…….

GP South Africa – Preview

Few Grand Prix seasons have been so eagerly awaited as the 2004 MotoGP championship.The premier class, where there are more championship-winning riders than ever before, is in the spotlight and there is no doubt that the season will be demanding and hard-fought for everyone.

The first race of the 2004 championship kicks off at the Phakisa Freeway racetrack, located 250kms south of Johannesburg. This racetrack was opened in 1999 and it was entirely resurfaced last year.

The track is situated in the gold mining area of Welkom called “the Goldfields” and it’s in the middle of a table-land at 1350 meters see level. Because of its height, Welkom racetrack is very demanding for mechanics and Engineers of all classes: the air rarefaction due to the altitude in fact causes a lower engine efficiency that can be even 20% less of the performance in standard conditions.

The track has nine right corners and eight left corners with only one straight where the power of the engine can be completely used. The racetrack has gained a reputation for its bumpy and dirty surface. Although it was entirely resurfaced last year, the surface remains quite slippery and dusty because of the sand and dirt brought by the wind and because it’s seldom used during the year.

Because of the lack of grip and the hot temperatures, the choice of the best tyre that can offer a superior end-of race performance is very important at Welkom. In fact, the demanding features of the track produce high tyre temperatures and Phakisa Freeway is regarded as one of the toughest tracks for the tyres.

SETE AND COLIN AND THE CHALLENGE OF WELKOM

The waiting is over for the Vice Champion of the premier-class, Sete Gibernau. The good results achieved during the winter tests have demonstrated that the Spanish rider is ready for the new challenge: “I’m very excited and motivated. I’m determined to do well since the first race but not obsessed by the idea of chasing the title. I’m more mature and I have learned a lot from last year. I’m focused on myself and I want to improve my results”

SETE GIBERNAU likes the Phakisa racetrack and he has always made good results at Welkom but last year it was a very special event for him: “Welkom reminds me of tears and joy at the same time: South Africa brings me very strong emotions. I have always had good results at Welkom so I have good memories of this place but last year it was a very special race for me because of what happened to Dajiro at the first GP. I dedicated the pole position and the victory to my team-mate, there are no words that could say how I really felt.”

Back with the marque with which Colin Edwards won two World Superbike Titles, the Texan has demonstrated during the winter test that his apprenticeship in the premier class is over. He is very experienced with four stroke bikes, he has talent and determination and during the pre-season test he showed to be very fast. The first race of the season kicks off at Welkom where “Texas Tornado” raced last year for the first time.

COLIN EDWARDS: “I like to race at Welkom, I have a lot of friends and fans from Superbike races. I like the layout of the track: there are fast corners and some slow corners, there is one very fast corner which is a little bit intimidating. I‘m satisfied with the job done so far, I’m really happy to be back with Honda – the marque I rode with since 1998 – with a top team. I’m very happy of my team, especially my chief I have a good feeling with the RC211V and look forward to the first race.”

FAUSTO GRESINI, Team Manager: “Finally the season kicks off and we are at the first race! The Team Telefonica MoviStar Honda takes the start of the 2004 championship determined to improve the results that we have achieved so far.

“We have big expectations for the 2004 season and I’m confident that we will be among the protagonists, thanks to development carried out by HRC during the pre-season test and the feeling of our riders with the bike that, test after test, has always increased. Sete Gibernau and Colin Edwards have done a very good job, they have trained a lot and they are ready for the new adventure.”