From a press release issued by Gauloises Yamaha:

GAULOISES YAMAHA TEAM TEST
Sepang, Malaysia
Tuesday, January 25, 2005

Ambient temperature: 34 degrees
Track temperature: 52 degrees
Humidity: 30%


YAMAHA MEN COMPLETE SUCCESSFUL SEPANG TEST

The first Gauloises Yamaha Team test of 2005 was rounded off this afternoon with another set of good lap-times from factory team riders Valentino Rossi and Colin Edwards. The two team-mates and their crews were satisfied with the work completed over the three days and will now head home for a short rest before returning to Sepang in just over two weeks to continue the busy winter testing schedule.

World Champion Rossi and Yamaha new-recruit Edwards both completed long runs on their 2005-specification YZR-M1s this afternoon and also spent time testing different tyres for Michelin. Loris Capirossi (Ducati) set the unofficial fastest time for the third consecutive day with a lap of 2:00.54, followed by Honda rider and last year’s championship runner-up Sete Gibernau with a time of 2:01.21. Rossi completed 45 laps and improved from yesterday with the third fastest lap of the day in a time of 2:01.36. He was followed by Honda team-mates Nicky Hayden (2:01.68) and Max Biaggi (2:01.91) with Edwards sixth fastest after 43 laps and a best time of 2:01.93.

Valentino Rossi, (2:01.36, 45 laps)
“I am very happy with this test, especially today. It’s been a very important test with the new bike, and we’ve done some good work. We did quite a few laps together today and the bike felt really good, as did the tyres. We’ve improved from the race last year and from the last test in November, which is encouraging. We still have a lot of things to test with the new bike and a lot of work to do, but we are looking forward to another good test next month.”

Colin Edwards (2:01’93, 43 laps)
“Today was good. I did a long run of laps in the hottest part of the day, and the wind had changed so all the brake markers were different! It took me a couple of laps to readjust and I made a few mistakes, but once I got settled I kept a good pace and it all felt okay. I’m leaving here on a positive note and I’m pleased with what we’ve achieved. I can’t wait to come back and hopefully carry on the good work!”

Jeremy Burgess, Valentino Rossi’s Crew Chief
“The test has been a success and we’re on schedule. The lap times have been better and we’ve improved the new bike; we’re not unhappy in any regard. This is only the first test of the year, but Yamaha has done an excellent job and given us a good bike, so now it’s up to us to get it ready for the start of the season.”

Daniele Romagnoli, Colin Edwards’ Crew Chief
“This has been a positive test all round. We’ve found a good feeling with the bike and the set-up is okay. The bike is turning well and we’ve improved stability over the course of the test. Colin did a long run this afternoon and his pace was fast, better than in the race last year. Of course we need to come back here for the next test and continue with everything we’ve been doing; we need to work on the settings for the chassis and suspension and continue making small improvements, but we’ve got a good base to start from.”

Unofficial Lap Times:

1. Loris Capirossi (Ducati) 2:00.54
2. Sete Gibernau (Honda) 2:01.21
3. VALENTINO ROSSI (YAMAHA) 2:01.36
4. Nicky Hayden (Honda) 2:01.68
5. Max Biaggi (Honda) 2:01.91
6. COLIN EDWARDS (YAMAHA) 2:01.93


More, from a press release issued by Camel Honda:

First test session of 2005 concludes at Sepang

The first test session of the 2005 preseason concluded today for the Camel Honda team riders. There was a slight setback for Alex Barros today, who had run two sets of five laps, the first of which had seen him set an excellent time of 2:01.95 followed by a second quick lap. Whilst he was talking with his Chief Technician Ramon Forcada in the box, Alex got caught by a cold blast of air and his neck stiffened up. Despite an instant massage and painkiller, he was forced to pull out of the test. Troy Bayliss continued to improve after spending the first few laps behind his new team-mate, with whom he has already built up an excellent understanding, and was able to complete his testing programme and leave his difficulties from yesterday behind. Troy’s learning process on the RC211V is well on schedule and the Australian and his crew are all looking forward to the next test in optimistic mood. The next date on the calendar is again at the Malaysian track, with three days planned from 11th to 13th February.

Ramon Forcada – Camel Honda – (Chief Technician Alex Barros)
“Over the first two days we followed the testing programme perfectly but today a completely banal incident has prevented us from finishing it. Here it’s over 30ºC in the shade and when the riders come back they are are hot and sweaty and try to cool down. Alex unzipped his leathers in front of the fan and the cold air stiffened him up. It’s something which will clear up in a few days but it meant that he couldn’t finish the job today: a few other new rear tyres and some more set-up work. Looking at the time Alex did on his second lap today, and that of his team-mate, it’s clear they’re in the right shape to do well. We’ll just have to be patient, we’ve got some top results here and gathered some good information to give to HRC. We’re very satisfied.

Alex Barros – Camel Honda – 2:01.95 (10 laps)
“Today started off really well, I was riding quick straight away but then I got a stiff neck from the air. They gave me a massage but even after the painkillers it was useless. It’s a shame but that’s the way things go. We’ll make up for it at the next test.”.

Santiago Mulero – Camel Honda (Chief Technician Troy Bayliss)
“Today was a completely different story. We analysed all the data we had, came up with a few solutions and they were proved right on the track. Troy feels much more comfortable now and at the next test we’ll be able to take another step forward, because we’ll be able to set it up perfectly for him. We’re happy to have put Troy in the right shape to look forward to the next test with a lot of faith”.

Troy Bayliss – Camel Honda – 2:02.691 (67 laps)
“Today I can finally say that I’m happy, I’ve taken 1.3 seconds off my time from yesterday. Everything went better and we’re back on the right path, so much so that I’ve gone quicker now than in testing and the race here last year. I did two mini simulations of ten laps each at a really good pace. I’m sure that when we return here in a little over two weeks’ time we’ll be able to pick up where we’ve left off. The whole team reacted quickly to a difficult start. This morning I was able to follow Alex for a few laps just to be on the safe side and things got better and better from there. I’m disappointed for him that he had his setback but I’m sure he’ll be better soon.”


More, from a press release issued by Honda Racing Information:

Honda MotoGP teams complete successful three-day Sepang test

The three-day MotoGP test at Sepang, Malaysia ended on a high note for HRC and the Honda RC211V riders. HRC staff engineers achieved all he objectives set for the test asthey prepare to build the 205 versions of he V5 990cc grand prix machine. “The data we have gathered from this test will be used to finalise the2005 specifications of the RC211V.” Said the content HRC Managing Director Satoru Horiike.

The Repsol Honda team spent their day confirming all they had learned from the technical aspect of the test, and competing extensive Michelin tyre testing. Nicky Hayden put in a grueling 99-laps during the day testing a range of new tyres running both short stints and endurance tests.

Hayden’s teammate, Italian Max Biaggi confirmed the variety of engine and chassis improvements HRC have made before concentrating on testing tyres. Biaggi was pleased with the results and is looing forward to returning to Sepang with the 2005 RC211V.

Sete Gibernau (Telefonica MoviStar Honda) finished testing all the new components HRC had brought to Sepang and left for home very satisfied with the test. Teammate Marco Melandri ended the test in buoyant mood. The young Italian tested different geometry on his RCV with both 2004 Michelin tyres and the latest rubber from the French manufacturer. He finished the test happier with his performance at Sepang than ever before.

Camel Honda riders Alex Barros and Troy Bayliss worked in harmony during the morning with Barros sharing his vast experience of the Honda RC211V with his new to Honda teammate Bayliss.

Despite incurring severe neck cramp early in the day Barros was satisfied with his test results. Bayliss ended the session a much happier man than he was on the first two days of the test. The Australian slashed 1.3s off his best time of yesterday and is now looking forward to returning to Sepang for the next HRC test in two weeks time.

Konica Minolta rider Makoto Tamada was the happiest of the RCV riders. The Japanese rider gets more comfortable on the machine fitted with Michelin tyres each time he takes the bike out onto the track.


HONDA TEAM QUOTES:

Satoru Horiike – Managing Director of HRC: “This three-day test has been very worthwhile for us. The two Repsol Honda factory riders and the five riders from the satellite teams have given their best efforts over the three days, we very much appreciate the work the have done. The data we have gathered from this test will be used to finalise the 2005 specifications of the RC211V. I hope the test results will be a step forward for the next test here at Sepang. We wish to thank everyone involved in Honda Racing and our technical partners for their support.”

Makoto Tanaka – HRC Repsol Honda Team Manager: “This is a very important and difficult period for us. We have a new rider, some new mechanics and Erv Kanemoto has joined the team. But we have worked together very well and step by step achieved the objectives we set for this test. This is a very important season for Honda and we will give our best to win back the MotoGP title.”

Max Biaggi, Repsol Honda, 2:01.91 – 83 laps: “The good thing about this test session is that I am here and I am among the fastest riders. Believe me, I was not sure to make it. I started trusting my ankle only after 25/30 laps. On the other hand, I understood that there’s not too much time and there is a lot of job to do. Thanks God, I don’t miss the strength and the will to make it. During all the test days I’ve never left the circuit before 10 p.m. Would you believe me if I tell you that I was the one who closed the track gate? Of course, HRC team led by Erv Kanemoto spent all these evenings with me because we all have a common goal: building The Winning Machine.”

Nicky Hayden, Repsol Honda: 2:01.68 – 99 laps: “The test has been pretty silky smooth really after having been off the bike for a while. Sure, we’ve still got a lot of work to do but it’s great the team is working so well. The mechanics, HRC, the Michelin and the Showa boys; they sure ain’t scared of doing some work which is what we have to do as we know what we’re up against. We put a lot of laps in – probably too many really but we had lots of things to look at – lots of new tyres from Michelin and some real good ones as well. I’d say its been a really valuable start to the year.”

Erv Kanemoto, Repsol Honda Team Technical Director: “Overall a very positive test for the whole team. We came here as really a new team. In a very short time we have found a good working method and there is a good spirit in the team. We have used the three days to look at some of the new parts we have developed for the RCV but more we have used the test to learn about the machine and how the riders can extract the best from it. I think we have made a good base and we can build on this solid platform at the next test.”

Sete Gibernau, Telefonica MoviStar Honda: 2:01.325 – 61 laps: “We have done a good job evaluating the parts HRC brought here for us to test. HRC needed to evaluate the parts before building the 2005 RC211V. I was able to do many laps at 2:02 and a few inside 2:01.this test also helped us understand why we had such a bad race at this track last year.”

Marco Melandri, Telefonica MoviStar Honda: 2:02.1 – 66 laps: “I’m very happy about today because, like everyone else, it was hard work for me in the heat this afternoon. We changed the geometry a little and the bike was better. With the changes to the geometry and the new Michelin tyres everything was much better. Before this test I was a little worried about how I would perform because this track was not great for me in the past. Now I like the track a bit better because in the past the Yamaha used to take me round, now I take the Honda round.”

Alex Barros, Camel Honda: 2:01.90 – 10 laps: “Today began very well I was soon very fast and set a time of 2:01.9 on the second lap. When I went into the pits I took off my leathers but standing near the cold air fan I got cramps in my neck. It’s a shame because the track conditions were very good for my colleagues and they set fast times. We have given HRC a lot of information and this test session has been very good for us.”

Troy Bayliss, Camel Honda: 2:02.69 – 67 laps: “Today was much better and finally I can say I’m happy. I am faster than I was with the Ducati last year, even if I only really got to work. I’m ready for the next test. I did two mini runs of 10 laps with a good rhythm. In the morning I did a few laps with Alex (Barros) to verify a few things and from then on everything went better. I’m sorry had the inconvenience of the cramps but I’m sure he will be better for the next test.”

Makoto Tamada (Konica Minolta Honda): 2:02.8 – 73 laps: “I wanted to make my time attack when the temperature was cooler but I couldn’t even finish my long run because the tyre and rim dislocated. So my best lap time was set on the second lap this morning. Still we gained a lot of precious data from the test. For the coming test, here at Sepang, in February we will have the new RCV so maybe I will have to start all over again. But now I’m really enjoying riding the bike, everything I tested was fruitful.”


More, from a press release issued by Kawasaki Racing Team:

KAWASAKI CONCLUDE SUCCESSFUL FIRST OUTING AT SEPANG

Kawasaki riders, Shinya Nakano and Alex Hofmann, ended the three day test at Sepang with career best performances at the Malaysian track today.

Both Ninja ZX-RR pilots were in great form, despite another day of tropical heat and humidity with track temperatures reaching an exhausting 59 degrees.

Nakano completed 34 laps today with a fastest time of 2:02.7, his best of the Sepang test and 1.5s faster than his previous best in last October’s Malaysian Grand Prix.

With a final day total of 48 laps, Hofmann posted an improved time of 2:03.7, a personal best by 2.9s seconds at the 5.5 km circuit. Unfortunately the test schedule did not allow the 24-year-old German rider an opportunity to do a final run on the best combination of front and rear tyres.

The primary aim of the test was to evaluate prototype versions of the 2005 Ninja ZX-RR and a new generation of Bridgestone tyres, both front and rear.

The new tyre selection included revised constructions, contours and compounds and clearly showed that Kawasaki’s tyre partner have done a lot of development work during the winter off-season.

The chassis and suspension set-up programme for the Sepang test was designed to provide data for the development of the Ninja ZX-RR chassis, which will evolve over the next three months, before being debuted by Nakano and Hofmann in the first race of the 2005 season at Jerez.

Back-to-back runs with the well balanced ’04 ZX-RR were an essential point of comparison, and both Nakano and Hofmann continued that programme today.

This test was the first appearance of the revised chassis and, not surprisingly, it will now undergo further refinement based on the feedback from Sepang.

For the tyre tests Kawasaki and Bridgestone engineers used the known performance base of last year’s ZX-RR on which Nakano scored Kawasaki’s first four-stroke MotoGP podium in the Japanese Grand Prix at Motegi.

Shinya Nakano: #56
“Today was important to provide feedback on the ’05 prototype ZX-RR frame with different stiffness, and it was good to have engineers from both Kawasaki and SRT in the pit box with us to assess the performance of the new chassis. This is our first test with the new machine and, at the moment, we don’t have the same balance as we do with the ’04 bike. But this is to be expected at a first test, and it’s important that we come away from here with a clear direction that will allow us to move forward with the development of the ’05 bike. I did my fastest lap with the best combination of the new Bridgestone front and rear tyres, both of which were very consistent and a clear step forward.”

Alex Hofmann: #66
“The new frame has some positive points, but like all new developments, there are also some areas for improvement, and it was important to learn these things early in the development programme. For me, a big advantage is the packaging and the way I sit on the bike with my 1.8 metre height; I feel much more comfortable and relaxed and part of the machine. I also need less pressure on the handlebars under acceleration. This test showed just how good the ’04 ZX-RR chassis is; I’m still faster on the ’04 bike, but that’s to be expected on the first outing and is sure to change at subsequent tests. As for the latest Bridgestone tyres, I really like the new fronts. They give more grip and confidence on turn-in, as well as better balance as you release the brake. I think any rider using Bridgestone tyres this year will be very happy.”

Naoya Kaneko: Technical Coordinator
“The main chassis work today was to evaluate a variation of the 2005 prototype with a different stiffness option. The total package of the ’05 bike still needs some changes to improve on the very good balance of last year’s Ninja ZX-RR, so this was a valuable opportunity to obtain the required data in back-to-back runs. Both riders are impressed with the new generation Bridgestone tyres, and Shinya found an excellent combination of new contour front and rear tyres for his best lap time. The positive points of the tyres are improved cornering and drive grip. Overall this test has provided the direction we needed for further chassis and tyre development for the coming season.”


More, from a press release issued by Telefonica Movistar Honda:

TEAM TELEFONICA MOVISTAR HONDA COMPLETE THE FIRST TEST SESSION AT SEPANG

The three-day MotoGP test at Sepang, Malaysia ended with good results for the Telefonica MoviStar Honda Team.

Despite the hot temperatures (52 degrees the asphalt temperature), Sete Gibernau completed 57 laps running consistently on a pace of 2:02, he also made some fast laps on 2:01.

Marco Melandri, improved his feeling with the RC211v and lapped consistently improving his lap time.

Juan Martinez, Sete Gibernau’s chief mechanic:
“Today we finished the program scheduled for this first test session, we also tested different chassis. Now we need to analyse all the data gathered here, this analyse is fundamental to start working for the 2005. I’m satisfied of the results we got so far, Sete run faster and more consistent on this track, now we have to verify if the modifications we mage here are good also for the other tracks.”


SETE GIBERNAU – 2:01.2, 57 laps: “We have done a good job evaluating the parts HRC brought here for us to test. HRC needed to evaluate the parts before building the 2005 RC211V. I was able to do many laps at 2:02 and a few inside 2:01. This test also helped us understand why we had such a bad race at this track last year.

One of my aim before coming here was also to work in strong cooperation with Michelin and HRC and I think that we have worked well.”


Fabrizio Cecchini, capotecnico di Marco Melandri:
“We leave Malaysia satisfied and with some good results, Marco has entered the Honda Gresini family after two difficult seasons on MotoGP and I’m happy to say that now he is enjoying riding and he has improved his pace a lot. He had a good rhythm today with used tyres! We didn’t make a long run but we used the same tyres for more than 20 laps and Marco was doing well.”


MARCO MELANDRI – 2:02.19, 66 laps:
“I’m very happy about today because, like everyone else, it was hard work for me in the heat this afternoon. We changed the geometry a little and the bike was better. With the changes to the geometry and the new Michelin tyres everything was much better. Before this test I was a little worried about how I would perform because this track was not great for me in the past.

Today we made many laps with used tyres and I have seen that I’m not too far from the other riders. As for the single lap time, it’s still a little bit early for me to make a very good fast lap because I need to know the bike better. “


LAP TIMES
SETE GIBERNAU 2:01.2
MARCO MELANDRI 2:01.29


More, from a press release issued by Fortuna Yamaha:

FORTUNA YAMAHA CONCLUDE TESTING PROGRAMME IN SATISFACTORY FASHION AT SEPANG

Fortuna Yamaha riders Toni Elías and Rubén Xaus today ended their first session of preseason tests on their new Yamaha YZR-M1 machines. Elias and Xaus continued to run up the laps in tough conditions at Sepang, with circuit temperatures reaching 52ºC. However, the riders stuck to their testing programme and rode throughout the day without making too many changes to the set-up of their YZR M1 machines. Yesterday evening Elías visited the Subang hospital, where doctors diagnosed a fracture to the little finger of his right hand, suffered on Sunday. His team-mate Rubén Xaus ended his first ever test with the M1 in positive mood although he had some problems adjusting to the bike because of his height and he suffered blistering where his body rubbed against the YZR M1. The best time of the day again came from Loris Capirossi (Ducati), who was also testing in Sepang alongside several MotoGP teams. Loris set a best lap of 2:00.54 whilst Elías (Fortuna Yamaha) managed an impressive 2:02.8 after 51 laps with his injured hand. His team-mate Rubén Xaus’ best effort was a 2:04.00 after 52 laps. Toni Elías and Rubén Xaus will both return to Europe tomorrow and continue their physical training programmes ahead of the next set of tests programmed by the Fortuna Yamaha team.

Toni Elías, (2:02.80) 51 laps

“I’m really satisfied because things were tough at the start after my crash on Sunday but in the end we were able to complete the testing programme we had planned. This afternoon I was even able to do my first tyre tests with Michelin. We haven’t made any major changes to the M1 although we have adjusted a few minor technical aspects. It doesn’t feel quite so strange to be riding the M1 anymore although there are a few things that don’t come naturally to me yet. But everything needs time and I’ll adapt eventually to the bike. The tests went much better here than in Valencia, where I rode the M1 for the first time. I have to get used to test sessions as long as this one and hopefully I can keep going like this. I’ve really enjoyed it and I’m leaving here a happy man!”

Rubén Xaus (2:04.00) 52 laps

“Riding a bike which is so different to what I am used to has given me a few physical problems and I’ve suffered a few blisters as a result of the bike rubbing me. Today we concentrated on continuing to get to know the M1 because yesterday we were lapping quickly all day and this is a difficult track. You can see clearly on the telemetry that I’m giving it plenty of gas. The bike is shorter and the weight transfer is very different to the Ducati. With me not being used to the M1, I worked harder than the bike over the first two days! The relationship with the team is good although I still have to get used to the way the Japanese work. Maybe it would have been easier to ride the bike for the first time in Europe, where I’ve got more references. Anyway, we had to do it here and I’m very happy with the way the first test has gone with Yamaha!”

TIMES

1 Loris Capirossi (Ducati) 2:00.54
2 Sete Gibernau (Honda) 2:01.21
3. VALENTINO ROSSI (Yamaha) 2:01.36
4. Nicky Hayden (Honda) 2:01.68
5. Max Biaggi (Honda) 2:01.91
6. COLIN EDWARDS (Yamaha) 2:01.93


More, from a press release issued by Ducati Corse:

DESMOSEDICI GP5 ENDS SEPANG TESTING WITH RECORD TIME

Capirossi sets quickest time during the three-day test (2:00.54), the Italian improving the Malaysian circuit’s official pole record by 1.3 seconds.

Sepang (Malaysia) 25 January 2005 – The Ducati Marlboro Team ended the three-day test session at the Malaysian circuit with smiles all around from the results of the development work on the new Desmosedici GP5. The team leave Sepang with the knowledge that they are heading in the right direction, even though there is still a lot of work to be done in view of the difficult championship that lies ahead. The only regret was the forced absence of Carlos Checa, who had to remain in bed all day with a high temperature and a massive headache.

“These were three positive days, especially because we were able to get down to some real testing” declared Loris Capirossi. “We worked methodically on the suspension settings and tyres and managed to find the right balance. I’m very satisfied with the latest technical innovations: the chassis, the swing-arm and the ECU have all made improvements to the Desmosedici. With Bridgestone tyre development is continuing non-stop and in the next test session at Sepang we will be concentrating on the rear tyre to further improve duration over a race distance, which is already quite good. In any case, irrespective of the times we set, we have to continue along this path without getting all carried away. But I have to admit that it’s great to be competitive!”

“I had intended to get back out on the track again, but my headache was still giving me problems and sadly I had to stay in the hotel”, declared Carlos Checa. “Loris did a great job and I can’t wait to return to Sepang in a couple of weeks to finally get a chance to ride my Ducati.”

“This was a positive test”, declared Livio Suppo, MotoGP project manager. “The GP5 seems to have started off well and the Bridgestone tyres have already proved themselves to be at an excellent level both in race and qualifying set-up. It was a real pleasure to see a smile back on Loris’s face again and watch him ride in the way only he knows how! It was a pity about Carlos, but I am sure that he will be OK for the next tests and will return to Sepang with even more determination. A big thanks to all of our partners, and in particular to Shell Advance, who are allowing us to obtain these results”.

Loris Capirossi 2:00.54