Kawasaki GP Testing - Jerez Spain

[MadKaw]

MOTOGP WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 2005
IRTA PRE-SEASON TEST - CIRCUITO DE JEREZ, SPAIN
25 MARCH 2005 - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BOTH KAWASAKI RIDERS IN TOP TEN ON OPENING DAY AT JEREZ

The Kawasaki Racing Team began the final countdown to the 2005 MotoGP
season at the opening day of the IRTA test session at Jerez in southern
Spain today.

Factory riders Alex Hofmann and Shinya Nakano finished 8th and 9th
respectively, both within one second of the fastest time, after the first
of three test days.

The test opened in mild and sunny conditions, but the weather turned
cloudy and cooler in the afternoon. Track temperatures varied between 21
and 32 degrees.

The focus for this test will be preparations in advance of the opening
race of the season, the Spanish Grand Prix, at Jerez on April 10.

Tyre testing with technical partner Bridgestone will occupy much of the
track time. A variety of compounds and constructions are on hand for
evaluation, including three front tyres and seven rears.

Nakano continues to exclusively ride his Ninja ZX-RR race machines
fitted with Kawasaki's new big-bang firing order 990cc, in-line
four-cylinder motor. The motor running here in the same configuration as at last
week's Barcelona IRTA test.

Nakano's teammate, Alex Hofmann, rode the 'screamer' version of the
ZX-RR motor in the morning, before switching to the big bang for the
afternoon session.

According to Kawasaki's MotoGP Technical Director, Ichiro Yoda, this
engine specification will also be used for the opening race of the
season. The next generation of engine updates are not planned until after the
opening two races at Jerez and Estoril.

Alex Hofmann: #66 - 94 laps (1'41.702)
"I tried to fit in as much work as possible today because the weather
forecast is not so good for tomorrow, which may well limit our track
time. This was only my second day on the big-bang engine, so I needed to
collect a lot of data, but I'm very happy with my progress. I did some
laps in the 1'41s bracket, which is inside one second of the fastest
time; and this was on a Bridgestone race tyre. Like Shinya I'm not
completely comfortable with the engine braking set-up with the big-bang motor,
so we need to do more work on that over the next two days, weather
permitting of course."

Shinya Nakano #56 - 89 laps (1'41.775)
"I had a very good feeling from the tyres and bike today; Jerez is a
good track for us and we have an excellent base set-up from our test here
earlier this year. I have been able to do a lot of consistent lap times
on race tyres, more so than Barcelona last week, which has helped as we
work on our set-up and tyre combinations for the race here."

Ichiro Yoda - Technical Director
"Jerez is different from Barcelona for tyre performance. Here the loads
are more evenly distributed on the left and right hand side of the tyre
and, so far, the new compounds and constructions are working very well.
We also have to evaluate the different spring balance of the new
constructions with the suspension set-up. This morning Alex Hofmann did some
set-up checks using the screamer motor before switching to the big bang
firing order, which is the engine spec both riders will have for the
first Grand Prix."

[icebreaker]

getting there slowly.. just abit of a worry all the good times are with the new engine spec, and the first 2 races will be with the old engine.. So i dunno if we'll be on the pace for the first couple of races.. here's hoping.

[FLASHMAN]

Sounds like all is well be running well within a couple of races for us so could turn out to be a great year for the kwaka,lets all cross our fingers.
yay my 100 th post finally


Flash

[Yankee]

c'mon c'mon!!! i cannot wait for the seaons to begin. inside the top ten, can't be too chuffed with that....

[Nanna10r]

Hoffman actually quicker the Nackers ?. Both completing lots of laps as well, Lets hope we dont sustain any injuries early in the year cause its all looking for an even better year then last. You Beauty
Warming up me Boxtel .
Cheers Brett

[Phil]

MotoGP Test - Free practice classification, 26/03/05;
1. Shinya Nakano (Kawasaki) 1'42.112
2. Nicky Hayden (Honda) 1'42.139
3. Sete Gibernau (Honda) 1'42.278
4. John Hopkins (Suzuki) 1'42.359
5. Marco Melandri (Honda) 1'42.575
6. Alex Hoffman (Kawasaki) 1'42.679
7. Valentino Rossi (Yamaha) 1'42.710
8. Kenny Roberts Jr (Suzuki) 1'43.086
9. Colin Edwards (Yamaha) 1'43.095
10. Troy Bayliss (Honda) 1'43.130
11. Alex Barros (Honda) 1'43.328
12. Max Biaggi (Honda) 1'43.559
13. Ruben Xaus (Yamaha) 1'43.756
14. Toni Elias (Yamaha) 1'43.813
15. Vittoriano Guareschi (Ducati) 1'44.375

wooo farkenhoo day to went a litle better......

[MadKaw]

From Kawasaki Racing
MotoGP World Championship 2005
IRTA Pre-Season Test - Circuito De Jerez, Spain

A classy performance in variable weather conditions saw Japanese ace Shinya Nakano claim the fastest lap time on day two of the final pre-season IRTA test at Jerez.

Nakano's stylish effort was backed-up by his ever-improving teammate Alex Hofmann, who was sixth fastest as he continued on a steep learning curve with the new Ninja ZX-RR big-bang motor.

Today was just Hofmann's third outing using the new motor, which has completely different engine characteristics to last year's 'screamer' version of the 990cc, in-line four-cylinder power plant.

Apart from engine set-up, Hofmann also tested a revised rear swinging arm and chassis geometry.

The pre-lunch session was conducted initially on a wet and then slowly drying track after steady morning rain showers.

Clearing sun broke through in the afternoon, although only the final hour provided close to ideal track conditions. Nakano's fastest lap of 1'42.112 was three tenths of a second slower than his day one time.

However the conditions provided a valuable opportunity for Kawasaki and their tyre partner Bridgestone to collect valuable data for future development.

Bridgestone had variations of their latest full-tread, wet pattern tyres available and both Nakano and Hofmann were impressed with the improved side grip.

Also aiding wet track performance is the smoother power delivery and improved throttle control of the big-bang ZX-RR motor, although, as technical director Ichiro Yoda notes, there is still more to come from this motor, which is still in an early development phase.

In the dry afternoon session Nakano's main job was to gather data for Bridgestone in advance of the first race, and his lap times reflect the competitive level of the Japanese tyres at Jerez.

Kawasaki engineers are planning to assess updated settings from electronics supplier Magneti Marelli during tomorrow's third and final day of testing.

Shinya Nakano: #56 - 46 laps (1'42.112)
"It's a good feeling to be fastest, although there were still some wet patches from the rain. In the dry the Bridgestone tyres are very compatible with this track, and I just worked to provide as much data as possible. The new type Bridgestone wet tyre, combined with the big-bang engine, is a noticeable improvement from last year in the rain. There is now better side grip and easier throttle control in slippery conditions, but there is still more work to be done."

Alex Hofmann: #66 - 42 laps (1'42.699)
"The new Bridgestone wet tyres are a step forward, although the consistency is not perfect once the track starts to dry out. In the dry I'm working on the set-up of the engine braking with the big-bang motor, and I'm still lacking some confidence. In the slower first gear corners the motor is pushing me forward rather than helping me control the rear tyre. I hope we have a clear day tomorrow to try and solve this problem for the first race."

Ichiro Yoda: Technical Director
"Today's weather was very beneficial, because it provided some very clear directions for our engineers, both at Kawasaki and Bridgestone. With the wet tyres the performance needs to improve in drying conditions when the rain has stopped. Also very clear from today's wet conditions is that we have to improve the throttle connection and power delivery with the big-bang motor, as this is the most important function of a MotoGP engine. So, overall, today was an excellent day to provide a future direction for our next development phase."

Final Times - Day Two:
1. Shinya Nakano (Kawasaki Racing Team) - 1'42.112;
2. Nicky Hayden (Repsol Honda) - 1'42.139;
3. Sete Gibernau (Telefonica Movistar Honda) - 1'42.278;
4. John Hopkins (Suzuki MotoGP) - 1'42.359;
5. Marco Melandri (Telefonica Movistar Honda) - 1'42.573;
6. Alex Hofmann (Kawasaki Racing Team) - 1'42.699;
7. Valentino Rossi (Gauloises Yamaha) - 1'42.710;
8. Kenny Roberts (Suzuki MotoGP) - 1'43.083;
9. Colin Edwards (Gauloises Yamaha) - 1'43.095;
10. Troy Bayliss (Camel Honda) - 1'43.130;
11. Alex Barros (Camel Honda) - 1'43.328;
12. Max Biaggi (Repsol Honda) - 1'43.559;
13. Ruben Xaus (Fortuna Yamaha) - 1'43.756;
14. Toni Elias (Fortuna Yamaha) - 1'43.813;
15. Vittoriano Guareschi (Marlboro Ducati) - 1'44.375

[icebreaker]

Well teh weather certainly seemed to slow the times down abit.. But that's great stuff, as no one knows what conditions are ahead for each round.. I wonder if these means the kwaka is gunna be ultra competitive in ify conditions... time will tell i guess...

Lets hope Nakkers can keep the hot laps coming


Nakkers!! Aiming for Top 10 in 2005...

[Nanna10r]

Bejezas only 3/10ths slower in the wet for Nackers, i bet Bridgestone have got the rain making machine ready for every Moto gp Round this year.

i know its early but i'm predicting a race win this year for "Team Big Green Bang" & a top 5 in the championship for Nackers (Baring injury)

Bring on the season ...yeah baby.

Cheers Brett

[Steve_TLS]

Rain! The great equaliser! Good on Shinya.


Here's a picture I found while searching for info on the Kawasaki GP bike! (Don't bash the noob )

[sp500]

These times were'nt done in the wet, K Roberts was fastest with a 1.53 i think.

[Nanna10r]

oops thought it was too quick for wet times thanks for the correction mate.

"Scratch 'em Nackers"

Cheers Brett

[MadKaw]

MOTOGP WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 2005
IRTA PRE-SEASON TEST - CIRCUITO DE JEREZ, SPAIN
27 MARCH 2005 - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

KAWASAKI CONCLUDES PRE-SEASON TESTING AT JEREZ

Kawasaki factory riders, Shinya Nakano and Alex Hofmann, wrapped-up
their preparations for the 2005 MotoGP World Championship Season at the
Jerez circuit in southern Spain today.

On the third and final day of the IRTA test both Nakano and Hofmann
recorded personal best performances at the 4.2 km circuit.

Over three days Nakano completed a total of 190 laps, for a fastest lap
of 1'41.328, which is 1.4s faster than Valentino Rossi's current track
record.

Hofmann posted 179 laps for a quickest time of 1'41.453, with the final
day of testing being run in warm and dry, but slightly overcast
conditions.

The final day programme for both riders was interrupted by some
electrical and software problems, which took some time for Kawasaki
technicians to resolve. Both Nakano and Hofmann are also seeking improved engine
braking stability on corner entry.

A mechanical problem in the afternoon forced Nakano to switch to his
spare bike, on which he set his fastest lap, despite this machine not
having the Japanese rider's preferred set-up.

The test brought to a conclusion an exhausting series of winter tests,
made all the more intense for the Kawasaki Racing Team by the
introduction of the big-bang firing order engine specification in February.

The engine has already confirmed its increased performance potential
over the previous 'screamer' version of the 990cc, in-line four cylinder
motor.

Kawasaki Technical Director Ichiro Yoda has confirmed that both riders
will race the big-bang motor in the Spanish GP at Jerez on April 10.
The next phase of engine development will now continue in Japan, with
further tests planned after the second race of the season at Estoril.

Shinya Nakano: #56 - 55 laps (1'41.328)
"Today was definitely not my day. But, despite the problems, I'm
positive because it is better to have learnt these things in testing than to
only find out next week when we are here for the first race. After the
engine problem in my number one bike I had to switch to the spare, but
I didn't have the same feeling with this set-up. I tried a qualifying
tyre at the end and did a good time. Overall the test was a good
outcome, and I'm much more confident than after the Barcelona test."

Alex Hofmann: #66 - 43 laps (1'41.453)
"I put a soft tyre in for my final quick time, but I didn't get the
best out of that lap, I was a little disappointed with the time because I
had done a 1.41.7 on race tyres. It was a difficult day until the team
got the electrical problems sorted, so I never got into a good rhythm.
But we are not far off, and I think we can look to the Jerez race with
some confidence. I'm happy to finish testing, now I just want to go
racing."

Ichiro Yoda: Technical Director
"Today neither Shinya nor Alex had a lot of time to go for fast laps,
or to complete a race simulation. We had some engine management system
software problems, which took time to correct. Shinya also had a motor
problem, which stopped his main race bike. From this test we understand
that we need more performance and to fine-tune the engine braking
system. Although the performance level is not where we want it to be, we are
in a good position considering we only started testing the big bang
motor just seven weeks ago."

IRTA Jerez Day 3 - Final Times: 1. Nicky Hayden - (Repsol Honda) -
1'39.983; 2. Marco Melandri - (Telefonica Movistar Honda) - 1'40.291; 3.
John Hopkins - (Suzuki MotoGP) - 1'40.418; 4. Valentino Rossi -
(Gauloises Yamaha) - 1'40.539; 5. Loris Capirossi - (Marlboro Ducati) -
1'40.559; 6. Alex Barros - (Camel Honda) - 1'40.569; 7. Sete Gibernau -
(Telefonica Movistar Honda) - 1'40.662; 8. Colin Edwards - (Gauloises Yamaha)
- 1'41.284; 9. Shinya Nakano - (Kawasaki Racing Team) - 1'41.328; 10.
Makoto Tamada - (JIR Honda) - 1'41.380; 11. Max Biaggi - (Repsol Honda)
- 1'41.431; 12. Alex Hofmann - (Kawasaki Racing Team) - 1'41.453; 13.
Troy Bayliss - (Camel Honda) - 1'41.529; 14. Kenny Roberts - (Suzuki
MotoGP) - 1'41.913; 15. Nobuatsu Aoki - (Suzuki MotoGP) - 1'42.121

[icebreaker]

Over three days Nakano completed a total of 190 laps, for a fastest lap
of 1'41.328, which is 1.4s faster than Valentino Rossi's current track
record.

Well that certainly spells improvement... We might be another season or 2 off yet, but we are most certainly not being left behind with the other teams picking up the pace..

Can't wait for race season to start.. Go Nakkers!!