MotoGP 2004, Max Biaggi: 'Rossi immediately competitive'….

Biaggi: “Rossi immediately competitive”
“Important tests at Phillip Island”

The Phillip Island tests saw him as the protagonist, with the best overall time.
Biaggi summarizes the tests which make him optimistic for the championship:
“They were important tests because we were able to compare ourselves with
the others – said the Roman – However we must continue to work”.
Biaggi also saw Rossi's Yamaha well: “It improved a lot with the
new engine. I am convinced that it will be competitive straight away."

The Roman appears confident: “The bike has improved a lot
to last year and we are at a good level, but we have to continue working.
There are two months left until the start of the world championship and all the teams will take advantage of it
to continue the development of the motorcycle. We must improve performance
because others will do just that in these months." On purpose
of Yamaha and Valentino Rossi, Biaggi said: “Yamaha has improved
a lot with the new engine, it seems to have better delivery. They did
a good step forward. When I was at Yamaha, in 2002, the M1 had caught up anyway
a high level, especially at the end of the season. I won a GP and took two podiums in the last ones
six races. I don't know what happened last year, maybe they lost their way
with the development of the motorcycle. I think this year Yamaha has one again
good bike. I am convinced that Rossi will be competitive from the start. They have
found the right direction for development, they will have a good bike."

Then Biaggi also talks about Ducati which, with Capirossi and Bayliss, did well
in Malaysia and Australia. “It's possible that they could fight for too
the victory in South Africa – said Biaggi – Loris was one of the most
fast in Malaysia and Ducati can only improve. It's a new motorcycle
and has ample room for improvement. But I'm confident that Honda
will continue to work as hard as they have done so far to give us the material
that helps us start the season in the best possible condition. Who
will he be Honda's number one? I dont think about it. I'm just trying to do some
my best in all the tests, everything that Honda will provide us
to improve will be welcome."

Source: Motomondiale.tv