Loris Capirossi fastest in Sepang testing

Fastest
By blue2bikes
January 26 2005

Loris Capirossi tops the tables at Sepang after three days of testing aboard the new Ducati Desmosedici GP5. Loris topped the timesheets with a record breaking lap, on the third day of testing, of 2min 0.54 secs, beating the circuit’s official pole record by 1.3secs.

With testing completed, the Ducati team now leave the circuit in the knowledge that they are heading in the right direction but with more work to do.

Loris said, “These were three very positive days, because we were able to get down to some real testing. We worked on suspension settings and tyres, and I am very satisfied with the latest technical innovations on the chassis, the swing-arm and ECU, which have all made improvements to the Desmosedici machine.”

Loris continued, “The Bridgestone tyre development is continuing non-stop, and during the next test session at Sepang we will be concentrating on the development of the rear tyre - to improve the duration over race distance. Irrespective of the times we set, without getting too carried away, but have to admit it’s great to be competitive again.”

Regrettably for the Italian team, Carlos Checa was unable to attend, and remained in bed for the day with a high temperature and a massive headache. Carlos said, “I had intended to return to the track but unfortunately my headache was giving me problems, and I had to stay in the hotel. Loris did a great job and I can’t wait to return to Sepang and finally get a chance to ride my Ducati.”

Meanwhile, Colin Edwards overalled the 2004 champion Valentino Rossi to end up second behind Loris, with Rossi in third position. The two factory Yamaha riders completed long runs on the third day aboard their 2005 YZR-M1s, testing different tyres for Michelin.

Rossi said, “I an very happy with the testing today. It’s been very important with the new bike. We have done some good work - the bike felt really good as did the tyres. We have improved from the race last year, and from the test carried out last November, which is encouraging. We still have a lot of things to test with the new bike, but we are looking forward to another good test next month.”

Sepang testing times:
1 Loris Capirossi ITA, Ducati Marlboro, 2:00.54s
2 Sete Gibernau ESP, Telefónica MoviStar Honda, 2:01.21s
3 Valentino Rossi ITA, Yamaha Gauloises, 2:01.36s
4 Nicky Hayden USA, Repsol Honda, 2:01.68s
5 Max Biaggi ITA, Repsol Honda, 2:01.91s
6 Colin Edwards USA, Yamaha Gauloises, 2:01.93s
7 Alex Barros BRA, Camel Honda, 2:01.95s
8 Marco Melandri ITA, Telefónica MoviStar Honda, 2:02.10s
9 Troy Bayliss AUS, Camel Honda, 2:02.691s
10 Shin’ya Nakano JAP, Fuchs Kawasaki, 2:02.70s
11 Makoto Tamada JAP, Konica Minolta Honda, 2:02.80s
12 Toní Elías ESP, Fortuna Yamaha Tech 3, 2:02.80s
13 Alex Hofmann BRD, Fuchs Kawasaki, 2:03.70s
14 Rubén Xaus ESP, Fortuna Yamaha Tech 3, 2:04.00s

Comparative lap times from the Malaysian Grand Prix, 10th November 2004:
Pole position Valentino Rossi ITA Gauloises Fortuna Yamaha 2min 1.833secs