Bushiee46
16-02-2007, 17:38
http://www.gixerjunkies.net/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=7600&stc=1&d=1171643895
Alex Hofmann left the official Qatar test with a smile on his face after setting the fourth fastest lap time - making him the highest placed Ducati rider.
The German split the factory Yamahas of Valentino Rossi and Colin Edwards with a 1min 36.315secs qualifying tyre run, backed up by a competitive 1min 57.2secs circulation on race rubber - itself faster than the likes of world champion Nicky Hayden.
"Today was a good day, the team did a great job and we were able to obtain some pretty good results," said Alex. "We worked a lot on the bike, constantly tweaking with the general set-up. The Bridgestone tyres felt very good, and my race pace is consistent. I'm fast with the current configuration and also my race one. For me, it was an important day because I solidified my confidence in the bike and, just like in Australia, I showed that I can be fast. We'll be ready for the first championship race!"
d'Antin Ducati team-mate Barros was 0.6secs slower than Hofmann on qualifying tyres - leaving him just behind factory Ducati riders Loris Capirossi and Casey Stoner in ninth - and 0.124secs behind Hofmann on race tyres, but was happy to finally get his Desmosedici dialled-in on the desert track.
"Today felt better than yesterday; we have completely changed the bike's set-up and I found a good feeling," said the Brazilian MotoGP veteran. "The feeling from the Bridgestone tyres was much better. We could have made a better time, but on my last lap with qualification tyres, I fell and I wasn't able to fully utilise the one at my disposal. At the end of this test, I'm satisfied and confident that we're headed in the right direction to begin the championship in a good way."
"The first two days of this test were difficult for our Team, but today everything felt much better," confirmed team principal Luis d'Anin. "We were able to find a good overall balance to the bike and our times dropped. The 2007 MotoGP championship will be very difficult, but the team has committed itself to be as competitive as we can be. We're getting a grip on things, but there is still a lot to do, and we must to be united in order to continue working well. I would like to thank the whole Team and our riders, for their great performances. Special thanks to Ducati and Bridgestone, for the competitive material that they have given us."
Alex Hofmann left the official Qatar test with a smile on his face after setting the fourth fastest lap time - making him the highest placed Ducati rider.
The German split the factory Yamahas of Valentino Rossi and Colin Edwards with a 1min 36.315secs qualifying tyre run, backed up by a competitive 1min 57.2secs circulation on race rubber - itself faster than the likes of world champion Nicky Hayden.
"Today was a good day, the team did a great job and we were able to obtain some pretty good results," said Alex. "We worked a lot on the bike, constantly tweaking with the general set-up. The Bridgestone tyres felt very good, and my race pace is consistent. I'm fast with the current configuration and also my race one. For me, it was an important day because I solidified my confidence in the bike and, just like in Australia, I showed that I can be fast. We'll be ready for the first championship race!"
d'Antin Ducati team-mate Barros was 0.6secs slower than Hofmann on qualifying tyres - leaving him just behind factory Ducati riders Loris Capirossi and Casey Stoner in ninth - and 0.124secs behind Hofmann on race tyres, but was happy to finally get his Desmosedici dialled-in on the desert track.
"Today felt better than yesterday; we have completely changed the bike's set-up and I found a good feeling," said the Brazilian MotoGP veteran. "The feeling from the Bridgestone tyres was much better. We could have made a better time, but on my last lap with qualification tyres, I fell and I wasn't able to fully utilise the one at my disposal. At the end of this test, I'm satisfied and confident that we're headed in the right direction to begin the championship in a good way."
"The first two days of this test were difficult for our Team, but today everything felt much better," confirmed team principal Luis d'Anin. "We were able to find a good overall balance to the bike and our times dropped. The 2007 MotoGP championship will be very difficult, but the team has committed itself to be as competitive as we can be. We're getting a grip on things, but there is still a lot to do, and we must to be united in order to continue working well. I would like to thank the whole Team and our riders, for their great performances. Special thanks to Ducati and Bridgestone, for the competitive material that they have given us."