MotoGP – Irta Jerez Test Day 3, Gresini Racing in top form

The Movistar Honda team riders took to the track and made the most of the last day of testing. Today marks the end of a long pre-season testing session which saw Sete Gibernau and Marco Melandri busy preparing for the new season on the tracks of Jerez and Valencia (November 2004), Sepang, Phillips Island, Doha, Barcelona and Jerez (winter 2005 ). The pre-season work was demanding but gave excellent results as these last two IRTA test sessions demonstrated. Sete Gibernau, who took his first victory here last season, dedicated himself to the final fine-tuning of the bike. The Vice World Champion lapped with a constant pace of 1'40", improving his feeling when entering corners, a problem which due to the characteristics of the track is more evident in Jerez. The Spaniard, who completed 73 laps in total, said he was satisfied with the work done.
Excellent work also for Marco Melandri who completed 93 laps in total. The Italian driver performed a good race simulation over 27 laps with a pace of 1'41” high. Marco Melandri also managed to make good use of the race tyre, finishing with the best second time of the day, the best among the Italians.

Sete Gibernau (1'40”662 – 73 laps)

“Today we worked in preparation for the race and I am very satisfied because I lapped in 1'40” with race tires. Unfortunately I wasn't able to do an entire race simulation because I didn't have enough time. Yesterday's rain ruined the program a bit and this practice session was very important to verify all the work done. In Jerez we encountered more problems than we expected but in general I can say I'm happy because we found a good balance of the bike. This pre-season has been very challenging but I can say that we have done a great job, we have improved at every test and I feel much stronger physically and mentally, the bike and the team have also improved a lot. Now it's time to start racing."

Marco Melandri (1'40”291 – 93 laps)

“I am very satisfied with this test session on the Jerez track because I was able to improve my race pace, test the wet track and practice with the qualifying tyre. Today we carried out several tire tests for Michelin and I am very happy because I see that Michelin is giving me confidence. In the afternoon I carried out a race simulation, 27 consecutive laps, lapping with a pace of 1'41" high. After the simulation I wanted to practice on the single lap and Michelin provided me with three qualifying tires. I'm happy with my time. Now I feel ready for the first race, I am determined and focused on myself and my team.”

Gresini Racing team