Doha, Qatar, MotoGP IRTA Test
Day 2, Friday February 29th 2008
WINTER TESTS CONCLUDED FOR THE ALICE TEAM
With the second nocturnal test on the Losail International
Circuit, in Qatar, MotoGP winter tests have concluded. From
next weekend, always in Doha, things will get serious with
the first 2008 MotoGP World Championship round. Alice Team
riders, Toni Elias and Sylvain Guintoli, have worked hard
to find the best solution for the beginning of the season.
The French rider, during the fast lap, has slipped and hurt
his right arm, but after the first medical exam it doesn’t
seem a serious injury. The rider is already on a flight to
England where he will undergo further medical check up.
Fabiano Sterlacchini – Technical Director
“It has been a constructive day even if results are
not proving it. We have tried different solutions for the
first race of the year, concentrating on the total package
of the bike and tyres, but we didn’t find any solution
which allowed us to be faster than yesterday. Toni is physically
and mentally ready, we only need to help him to find the right
feeling with the bike, but we are confident to be able to
give him a competitive bike starting from next Sunday. Race
rhythm of both riders isn’t so bad. Sylvain has slipped
while he was trying to improve his fastest lap. The hit doesn’t
seem so severe and we believe we will have him here next weekend.”
Toni Elias – Alice Team Rider (16th best lap
time in 1’56.986 – Total laps 69)
“Today we had a schedule full of different things to
try, and so we have done, without thinking too much at the
fast lap. Let’s say we were expecting something more,
but this will be useful to look for alternative choices for
next weekend, when lap times will really count. We have concluded
our winter tests, we are a bit behind, but we have still time
to improve the setting of the bike and adapt it to my riding
style.”
Sylvain Guintoli – Alice Team Rider (17th best
lap time in 1’57.055 – Total laps 55)
“We made it to improve race rhythm. I found some difficulties
with qualifying setting, and while I was pushing at the maximum,
I slipped and hurt my right arm. I thought it would be bad,
but after the first medical exams it doesn’t seems such
a serious injury. To be sure of it I am flying back to England
straight away where I will undergo further medical exams to
be sure that everything is ok. I want to be present at the
official start of the season.”
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