An excellent start to the IRTA tests at Montmelo.
Warm temperatures and sunny weather greeted the first day of the two-day IRTA MotoGP practice at the Catalunya Circuit. Valentino Rossi clocked the fastest lap with the new Honda RC211V, while Loris Capirossi led the field behind the Italian on the 4-stroke Honda. Loris Capirossi, who completed 51 laps, lapped at two tenths under last year's pole. Alex Barros, with a total of 64 laps, was 4 hundredths over last year's time.
Warm temperatures and sunny weather greeted the first day of the two-day IRTA MotoGP practice at the Catalunya Circuit. Valentino Rossi clocked the fastest lap with the new Honda RC211V, while Loris Capirossi led the field behind the Italian on the 4-stroke Honda. Loris Capirossi, who completed 51 laps, lapped at two tenths under last year's pole. Alex Barros, with a total of 64 laps, was 4 hundredths over last year's time.
"We have worked well and the bike is competitive," said Loris Capirossi. "We are all working in a new project and we know just how fast we can go. The 4-stroke bikes on the other hand have more room for development, although we are working hard to optimise our potential."
"I have lowered my best time on the first day and I am satisfied with the work we have done," said Alex Barros. "We have spent the whole day trying out suspensions and tyres. We are progressing well and if we get the right balance we can improve still further. Rossi is lapping very fast, but the difference is less evident than in Malaysia. Anyway, it is still too early to draw conclusions".
"We are very happy with this first day's practice which has served to confirm that the Honda 4-stroke is one step ahead and that the rest of the field is very even". Sito Pons, team boss concluded.
Day one times:
Loris Capirossi West Honda Pons1:45.359Alex Barros West Honda Pons1:45.547
