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2007-06-12 Catalunya test wrapped-up
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 Only four riders attended second day of testing in Catalunya, trying to test as much as possible for rest of the season. Nicky Hayden tested for Honda, Capirossi and Stoner for Ducati, while Chris Vermeulen tested for Rizla Suzuki. Hayden was managed to find set-up that allowed him to set fastest time of the test.
Nicky Hayden put in a further 107 laps using the latest modifications to the chassis of his RC212V and once again increased his pace at the 4.727km (2.937-mile) circuit.
Hayden’s best time on race tyres today, a lap of 1m 42.4s, was the fastest of any rider on race tyres over the two days of the test. The lap eclipsed the 25-year-old American’s own 1m 43.048s race lap record at Montmelo, set in 2006, and was 0.8s inside the fastest lap from Sunday’s 25-lap thriller. Hayden also tried a qualifying tyre at the end of the day, shaving his lap time down to 1m 42.2s.
Both Casey Stoner and Loris Capirossi focused on tyres tests, making the best of the favourable weather conditions to try also some new 16 inch Bridgestone rear tyres. Both got a positive feeling and now they feedbacks will be useful to the Japanese technicians for continuing their development work.
Following back-to-back races in Italy and Catalunya the mechanics and riders will now enjoy a weekend off before two more races on consecutive weekends, beginning with the Grand Prix of Great Britain on Sunday June 24.
Nicky Hayden Best lap time: 1m 42.2s (Qualifying tyre) 1m 42.4 (Race tyre)
It’s been an encouraging day testing the updated chassis. You’ve got to do it when it counts on the race weekend but I have a better feeling on the machine now and I think it’s definitely an improvement in some areas. It certainly shows potential at this circuit, so I hope that carries over to the next race at Donington Park . We spent a large part of the day tyre testing for Michelin and I did a longer run this afternoon – about three-quarters race distance – and was able to get some good consistency. We tried a qualifying tyre with the modified chassis too, because we didn’t want to get to Donington and have any surprises. Thanks a lot to my guys because we’ve had two GPs on the trot and they’ve been working really hard. I know those guys aren’t giving up on me which gives me a lot of confidence.
Unofficial lap times (Race Tyres)
1. Nicky Hayden Repsol Honda Team 1m 42.4s 107 laps
2. Casey Stoner Ducati Marlboro Team 1m 42.76s 31 lap
3. Chris Vermeulen Rizla Suzuki MotoGP 1m 42.9s 44 laps
4. Loris Capiross Ducati Marlboro Team 1m 43.09s 50 laps
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