ROUND 6 - GRAN PREMI GAULOISES DE CATALUNYA
10 JUNE 2005 - FREE PRACTICE

NAKANO AND HOFMANN COMPLETE VALUABLE TEST DAY

The Kawasaki Racing Team devoted the opening day of the Catalunya GP weekend to
a comprehensive test session evaluating the latest Bridgestone tyres and
technical updates.

Team riders, Shinya Nakano and Alex Hofmann, completed a combined total of 99
laps in the two free practice sessions, almost the equivalent of four grand prix
race distances.

The data gathered by Kawasaki engineers today will be critical in deciding race
set-up for Sunday's 25-lap race and for the on-going development programme for
the Ninja ZX-RR.

The 4.72 km Catalunya circuit was resurfaced during the winter and Kawasaki's
tyre partner Bridgestone have brought a wide range of new concept tyres to this
race.

The tyres feature different constructions and compounds and are already showing
improved performance compared to the pre-season IRTA test in Barcelona on the
new track surface.

Neither Nakano nor Hofmann tried for a single fast lap as they concentrated on
the test programme. Both riders are still chasing further improvement to
rear-end grip in preparation for the race.

Nakano recorded his fastest lap of the day, for 11th overall, in the morning
free practice session, in which the Japanese rider was unhurt in a crash when he
lost the front end.

Hofmann, 17th at the end of the day, also posted his best lap in the morning
session. The German ace is quickly regaining 100% fitness as he faces his second
race after an eight-week lay-off with a fractured left wrist.

On the technical front a revised specification exhaust system from technical
partner Akrapovic was tested back-to-back with the standard system, by both
Nakano and Hofmann.

More rider friendly throttle response is one benefit of the latest exhaust and
Kawasaki technical director Ichiro Yoda says he expects both riders will use the
system for the race.

Warm, sunny but breezy conditions with a track temperature, of 35 degrees
greeted riders for the opening day of practice.

Shinya Nakano: #56 - Eleventh - (1'44.268)

"This was very a productive day, especially this afternoon when I did some
endurance runs on the new tyres; we have gathered a lot of useful data. The grip
levels are better than at the IRTA test in March - although I would still like
more - and also improved throttle control, but we have made a positive step
forward today. Race tyre endurance looks good for Sunday."

Alex Hofmann: #66 - Seventeenth - (1'45.193)

"I did a lot of work today, especially on tyres, I don't think I've ever spent
some much time out running on used rubber. It's a little frustrating when you
look at the times, but our focus is on the race on Sunday and a perfect set-up.
I tried some different set-ups at the rear and I am still chasing some more
grip, but I think the new surface is a factor; it is different from last year.
My wrist is holding up okay, although there is a bigger strain on the left side
with the corner layout at this track."

Ichiro Yoda - Technical Director

"Today was only for testing, mainly for the new concept tyres from Bridgestone
and to check chassis settings against the different constructions and compounds.
We had five rear and four front tyres for the test programme today plus the
different specification exhaust. Tyre performance is already noticeably improved
from the IRTA test and the riders also checked the smoother throttle response
from the new exhaust."

FREE PRACTICE - COMBINED TIMES

 1. Marco Melandri (ITA) Movistar Honda MotoGP  1'43.317
 2. Makoto Tamada (JPN) Konica Minolta Honda      +0.091
 3. Colin Edwards (USA) Gauloises Yamaha Team     +0.150
 4. Nicky Hayden (USA) Repsol Honda               +0.321
 5. Valentino Rossi (ITA) Gauloises Yamaha Team   +0.335
 6. Loris Capirossi (ITA) Ducati Marlboro Team    +0.568
 7. Alex Barros (BRA) Camel Honda                 +0.788
 8. John Hopkins (USA) Team Suzuki MotoGP         +0.821
 9. Sete Gibernau (SPA) Movistar Honda MotoGP     +0.822
10. Max Biaggi (ITA) Repsol Honda                 +0.828
11. Shinya Nakano (JPN) Kawasaki Racing Team      +0.951
12. Troy Bayliss (AUS) Camel Honda                +1.113
17. Alex Hofmann (GER) Kawasaki Racing Team       +1.876