Winter test – Day 1 Phillip Island Circuit (Australia)
BARROS SETS THE PACE AT PHILLIP ISLAND, SEVENTH FOR
HOFMANN.
On the first day of the second winter testing session held
at the beautiful Phillip Island circuit in Australia, Alex
Barros begin to work in earnest on the set-up of his DUCATI
Desmosedici GP7, clocking the best laptime of the day, while
Alex Hofmann followed in seventh position, now at peak physical
condition after the illness he suffered in Malaysia. The Brazilian,
riding for the PRAMAC D’ANTIN MotoGP team, made 51 laps
with the best time of 1.30.670, while the German pilot worked
steadily, amassing 74 laps with a best time of 1.31.50.
Alex Barros (1’30.670 – 51 laps):
“Today we began at our best! I am very satisfied with
the work done by my Team. The base set-up after the Malaysian
test was good, and after making some slight modifications,
I was able to find a good feeling with the bike. After some
difficulties at the beginning of the session, we worked on
the settings and on the software, obtaining a good final result.
In the afternoon we didn’t make many laps, but we tried
some BRIDGESTONE tires that worked very well with the bike.
I am feeling very good with the DUCATI GP7, and I have to
say that is a really good project. Tomorrow we will continue
working on the set-up we established today, and we hope for
good weather conditions”.
Alex Hofmann (1.31.50 – 74 laps):
“This was the first positive day. We started the day
well, working on the set-up and defining a setting that allowed
me to be consistent. The modifications to the height of the
bike, and on the suspensions, allowed me to improve my laptimes
during the day. The grip from the rear is good and the bike
is easy to ride, but I don’t have the necessary feeling
from the front. In the fast corners I had some difficulties
and today’s high winds didn’t help me for sure.
I am confident we will improve in the next two days, because
our potential is very high. I am feeling physically strong
after my illness in Malaysia, so now I can work at my best”.
Fabiano Sterlacchini – Track Engineer for Alex
Barros:
”This was an extremely positive day for Barros. The
modifications we made on the setting allowed him to find a
good feeling with the entire technical package and to make
good laptimes. We also worked on the software as well some
further testing with the Bridgestone tires. I am confident
for the next two days.”
Emanuele Martinelli – Track Engineer for Alex
Hofmann:
”Today we made a lot of laps, finding a constant rhythm
even though we had some problems with the front end feel.
We did a good job on the general setting, and I am sure that
we have a lot of room to improve”.
Unofficial Time
1. Alex Barros 1’30.670
2. Marco Meandri 1’30.700
3. Loris Capirossi 1’30.700
4. Nicky Hayden 1’31.180
5. Dani Pedrosa 1’31.290
6. Casey Stoner 1’31.400
7. Alex Hofmann 1’31.510
8. Carlos Checa 1’31.800
9. John Hopkins 1’31.800
10. Kenny Roberts 1’31.900
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