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MotoGP News (2006)
MotoGP News - Bridgestone Rookies On Top Form
04/12/2006
Three rookies to Bridgestone tyres for next season finished up the end-of-year testing more than satisfied with their first experience with the Japanese tyre company.
Five-times MotoGP winner Marco Melandri was a close third fastest at the final tests at Jerez, in his second time on Bridgestone tyres, and his first on the new V4 800cc Honda.
Several setting changes preceded his tyre testing. “My team hardly stopped for a snack,” he said. “We made a big step. The Bridgestone staff are very close to my team. They make me feel important, and want to help me any way they can,” he said. “This gives me great confidence for next year.”
Another tyre rookie was ex-Honda rider Casey Stoner, riding the new 800cc Desmosedici Ducati, who set a time within a tenth of his triple-2006 MotoGP winner team-mate Loris Capirossi (above). “There are a few things to improve, but I think we will be competitive next year,” said the Australian.
The final new man on the tyres was the most experienced GP rider of all, Alex Barros, making a MotoGP return after a race-winning year in World Superbikes. The Brazilian is riding a Ducati for the d’Antin team.
He was fastest Ducati, using a soft qualifying tyre, and said: “The tyres were amazing, especially the qualifying one with which I clocked my best time. I am very happy to have this quality of material at my disposal.”
With five teams and ten different riders, Bridgestone are supporting the majority of the 2007 MotoGP field in the first year of the new 800cc machines.
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