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2007-01-30 Barros fastest on day 1 of Phillip Island test
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 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 times, Tuesday 30 January:
1. Alex Barros, D'Antin Ducati 1m 30.60s
2. Marco Melandri, Gresini Honda: 1m 30.75s.
3. Loris Capirossi, Ducati: 1m 30.78s.
4. Nicky Hayden, Repsol Honda: 1m 31.18s.
5. Dani Pedrosa, Repsol Honda: 1m 31.29s.
6. Casey Stoner, Ducati: 1m 31.40s.
7. Alex Hofmann, D'Antin Ducati: 1m 31.50s.
8. Carlos Checa, LCR Honda: 1m 31.80s.
9. John Hopkins, Rizla Suzuki: 1m 31.80s.
10. Kenny Roberts Jnr, KR212V: 1m 31.90s.
11. Toni Elias, Gresini Honda: 1m 32.00s.
12. Chris Vermeulen, Rizla Suzuki: 1m 32.00s.
13. Shinya Nakano, Konica Minolta Honda: 1m 32.23s.
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