Positive finish of the 250cc IRTA tests for Repsol riders in Catalunya.
Dani Pedrosa, Sebastián Porto and Randy De Puniet, top three after the two test days.
The recently reasphalted Circuit de Catalunya, nearby Barcelona, is hosting the first official tests of the 2005 season. Riders and teams are making good use of this opportunity to set the bikes they are going to use during the 2005 World Championship. These first official tests have been especially positive for the 250cc Repsol riders, with Dani Pedrosa fastest after the two sessions followed by Sebastián Porto only two tenths behind and De Puniet , third, half a second slower than the time sheet leader.
After the recent cold spells in Europe and the low temperatures at the Catalan circuit during the previous weeks, the sun and mild temperatures made their way through these days allowing riders and teams to work comfortably. The two test days went off quietly for the Repsol riders, except for the minor crash of the current World Champion of the class. Alberto Puigs pupil crashed after his front tyre lost grip during a slow corner but was fortunately unhurt.
The 250cc machines will continue their test on March 23 and 24 in Jerez, venue of the first Grand Prix of the 2005 season on April 10.
250 GP Dani Pedrosa
1st, 146.248, 148 laps:
Today has been a very intense day, weve had a lot of problems with bike number one and considering that we were loosing a lot of time, we decided to put it aside and work on number two. Unfortunately we had the same carburettor problems we already had yesterday and I didnt have good feelings with the front tyres either. Thats why I crashed, because I pushed too hard while the tyres were still cold. I had the first gear in and therefore escaped unscathed. We found a better set-up towards the end of the session and I was able to clock a better time. I hope things will work out better in Jerez.
250 GP. Sebastián Porto
2nd, 146.438 116 laps:
Im very satisfied and calm; I feel better every day and the team is improving. Weve been able to get a good reference about where we are during these days. Weve been very competitive; weve improved our fastest time set during the last Catalan GP by more than one second, but we know that the times set here arent of much use. There are a lot of things left to be tested, but were following the right path. This year I have the possibility to develop the bike my way, but in the end were all going to have the same material. Aprilia has provided us with everything we asked for and communication is working perfectly well. There are still some pieces yet to arrive, but were in a much better situation than last year.
250 GP Randy De Puniet
3rd, 146.756, 146 laps:
The assessment of these two test days is quite positive. Im discovering a new machine I had never used before and the feelings are good. Weve also clocked good times; I was fourth yesterday and third today. Ive learned a lot of things during these days. Ive been lapping very well throughout the day, although I had some mishaps towards the end of the session. First I had some problem with the engine and then I wasnt able to find a good set-up. Fortunately, I managed to set the third fastest time in the last laps. Its a new team but Im integrating into it very good; and I like the way they work.
250 GP. Hiroshi Aoyama
9th, 147.546, 170 laps:
Ive covered today more laps than in any other test day; its been a very long day. Weve tested several settings to improve my feelings with the front end and I think weve found the right one towards the end of the afternoon. Ive felt much more comfortable than yesterday, although I know that I can still improve my times. Weve made big changes on the bike, which are a big help, but I still have to understand it better bit by bit. Thats what the preseason is for and I hope to be able to make another step forward next week in Jerez.
Track conditions
- Air 22º
- Track 28º
- Humidity 22%
- Wind 8 Km/h
