[theophil]

ALEX BARROS #4 (1’41.276, 65 laps): “Overall, the Jerez test was very positive. I am satisfied with the feeling we achieved in concert with the new technical package. We defined a good balance of the front suspension settings, while we can still improve the rear. The BRIDGESTONE tires were amazing, especially the qualifying one with which I clocked my today’s best time. I am very happy to have this quality of material at my disposal. We can truly say we reached our objectives of discovering and understanding the new GP7, and defining the general settings of the bike. We will go to Malaysia for the next test with a good base set-up, and with clear ideas on how to improve the total package. I would like to thank PRAMAC and DUCATI, for giving me all their support to carry out these important tests”.

FABIANO STERLACCHINI - Alex Barros Track Engineer: “We are satisfied with the comprehensive result of our last day of testing. We worked steadily on the geometry of the machine to try and understand all the possibilities we have for chassis settings. We improved the general balance of the bike, first concentrating on the front, and later, the rear. BARROS altered his riding style a little bit, and in this way, gained a better time lap. The data gathered during the Jerez test will be analyzed, and we will use it as our base to begin the Malaysian tests with.

Shinya Nakano – KONICA MINOLTA Honda Rider (1’41.142” – 69 laps)
“This morning we started focusing our job on the gear box and trying to find the ideal suspensions setting without pushing to be fast. In the afternoon, our efforts were oriented to the research of the best set up and then we tested different types of tires. I feel satisfied of the fastest lap time I got.
The first contact I had with the new working group was good; during next winter, we will have all the time to refine our collaboration. On the whole, I am happy about how things have gone during this first experience in the KONICA MINOLTA Honda Team.
Shortly I’ll fly to Japan and spend time with my family and friends; on half December I’ll attend a “Training Camp” with my personal trainer, afterwards I’ll spend the time left recovering energies for the demanding 2007 pre-season activity.”

Giulio Bernardelle – KONICA MINOLTA Honda Technical Director
“We are happy we found the conditions to carry out all we planned for this Spanish test session and for the working method and the professional competence Shinya demonstrated to have. Today, in particular, we programmed a large amount of tires and suspensions tests and at the beginning of the day we had to finish the gear box and engine set up we started yesterday. For this reason, we obtained the right conditions to permit Shinya to push only late in the afternoon, when the temperature on track was already lowered.”