Rossi and Hayden enjoy first day of two day MotoGP test at Catalunya.
Repsol Honda team-mates Valentino Rossi and Nicky Hayden rode for the first time today alongside nearly the complete 2003 MotoGP entry list at the official MotoGP tests at Catalunya today. After months of private testing over the winter period it was the first time that the world has seen all the riders on the 2003 spec machines at the same circuit. The reigning MotoGP World Champion, Valentino Rossi who turned 24 years old last month wore a specially painted AGV crash helmet. It carried the number 7 in respect of friend and inspiration Barry Sheen who died of cancer earlier in the week. Nicky Hayden rode for the first time at the 4.727km circuit and was encouraged by the performance and feel from his 5-cylinder, 990cc Honda RC211V.
The 21-year-old from Owensboro, Kentucky, USA is competing in his first year in MotoGP after having clinched the AMA Superbike Championship in the States during 2002.The session started off in bright sunshine but was spoilt later in theb day by intermittent rain. The official launch of the Repsol Honda Team took place at the circuit in this evening.
Valentino Rossi:
‘Today has really been for nothing! For only one hour was it possible to push but during that time the bike felt good and I was happy. It feels like last season except stronger. Sure, this time last year we were ahead of the competition and now it is very even. It will be a good close fight for the race wins. Today I wear a helmet with special paint. The 7 is for Barry because I love barry as a person and a rider and the rainbow colour with peace written on the back is because we dont want war! Simple as that!
Nicky Hayden:
Not such a bad day. This track is the bumpiest GP track Ive ridden so far. But its not so bad; its more like what Im used to. Ive been moving along quite good and feel Ive been making quite a bit of progress. After lunch I only got in a few laps as the weather was not so good. I havent really got to ride with anyone but the experience has been really fun especially after all the tests weve been doing. There is a great atmosphere here; feels more like a race. Im now just looking forward to racing and getting out there with other people.
Results:
- Alex Barros 1.44´112 seg.
- Loris Capirossi 1.44´370 seg.
- Sete Gibernau 1.44´793 seg.
- Valentino Rossi 1.45´167 seg.
- Shinya Nakano 1.45´328 seg.
- Daijiro Kato 1.45´476 seg.
- Tour Ukawa 1.45´581 seg.
- Marco Melandri 1.45´684 seg.
- Carlos Checa 1.45´733 seg.
24. Nicky Hayden 1.46´913 seg.
