Kawasaki Press Release

[MadKaw]

MOTOGP WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 2004
KAWASAKI RACING TEAM JEREZ TEST
25TH NOVEMBER 2004 - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

KAWASAKI RACING TEAM CONCLUDE SUCCESSFUL JEREZ TEST

Fuchs Kawasaki riders Shinya Nakano and Alex Hofmann completed a
successful three-day test session at the Jerez circuit in southern Spain this
afternoon.

Both Kawasaki Ninja ZX-RR riders made maximum use of excellent weather
- sunny and warm conditions with no wind - for the end-of-season test.

The primary strategy behind the test was to provide a data bank of
information on which Kawasaki engineers will base development of the 2005
version of the 990cc, inline four-cylinder Ninja ZX-RR.

Although not chasing outright lap times both Nakano and Hofmann were
able to improve on their previous best times at the Jerez circuit, in
both cases using race tyres, not soft compound qualifying tyres.

Many rival teams and riders also present at the Jerez test posted their
fastest laps on the final afternoon with the use of qualifying tyres.

While Nakano concentrated on evaluating various engine configurations,
Hofmann was given the task of running back-to-back tests of various
chassis and suspension set-ups.

On the third and final day Hofmann also ran a grand prix race
simulation.

Another key element of the three-day test was the opportunity for
Nakano and Hofmann to test a range of new Bridgestone tyres, both front and
rear, of varying constructions and compounds.

This tyre data will also form part of Bridgestone's plans for the 2005
season, when they will once again be Kawasaki's tyre partner in MotoGP.

At the conclusion of the test the Kawasaki Racing Team began the long
road trip to the Paul Ricard Circuit in southern France.

A two-day test, only for Bridgestone wet weather tyres, has been
scheduled for next Monday and Tuesday, 29th and 30th of November. The Paul
Ricard circuit has a trackside water sprinkling system that provides an
ideal test venue for wet weather tyres.

The Paul Ricard test will bring to an end an exhausting year of racing
and testing for the Kawasaki squad, with both Nakano and Hofmann
looking forward to their winter holidays.

Nakano will spend time with his family in Japan at his home near Tokyo,
while Hofmann plans to relax at his home near the Swiss Alps.

Shinya Nakano: 1'41.94
"My main job over the three days was engine work, as we need this
information to prepare for the 2005 season. It was important to confirm the
performance data we logged during the season, and also to test some new
components. I tested different crankshaft set-ups, fuel injection
throttle bodies and a revised cylinder head specification. In the tyre tests
I found a very good front tyre from Bridgestone, which was a definite
step forward from our race tyres at the end of the season. Although it
will be good to relax, my focus is already on next season; everyone at
Kawasaki is motivated to improve our performance."

Alex Hofmann: 1'42.37
"The weather was perfect for three days; I've never seen it so
consistently good at Jerez. My main job was to confirm the set-up work we have
done this year, to provide information so the engineers can check the
direction for next year. It was important to do this in the back-to-back
situation of a three-day test. We also did some work to make me more
comfortable on the bike because of my height; I'm much taller than
Shinya. I did consistent laps of 1'42" in my race distance simulation, and my
fastest lap on race tyres was 0.7s faster than my qualifying time in
May. I think the direction we found at this test, with both the ZX-RR and
the Bridgestone tyres, is going be a very good direction for the
engineers over the winter."

Harald Eckl: Team Manager
"This was an excellent opportunity to confirm our data and direction
for next year. One thing is clear - our focus for 2005 is on engine
performance and driveability, getting the power to the ground in most
efficient way. Our chassis and suspension tests here confirmed that we have
an excellent basis for 2005, and we also have some ideas to maximise the
performance of our Bridgestone tyres. The latest tyres have improved
edge grip, so we will look at some swinging arm options and other chassis
revisions to ensure we get the best from the latest generation of
tyres. It's been a lot of hard work by the team, but well worth it."

[mrmina]

good on em maybe a couple of poduim finishes next year.

[Barrabob]

Be good to see them up with the rest of the pack at the start of the next season theres no reason why they shouldnt be.