Nicky Hayden, Sete Gibernau, Colin Edwards, Makoto Tamada, Max Biaggi and Tohru Ukawa were all there, the latter is in the team as test rider. The Roman in the Sito Pons team was the one who demonstrated that he was in the best form at this pre-season session. Max Biaggi set the fastest time (2'02"5) and Tohru Ukawa, in a simulated GP race of 21 laps, completed it 15 seconds faster than his time set in the race last October.
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Nicky Hayden also made progress in this test after mounting several new pieces on his bike, these parts were supplied by Honda for this test session. Sete Gibernau set a 2'02"7 before detecting a problem with the engine and his team mate, Colin Edwards, was not able to round off the progress that he had been making because he could not decide on a front tyre that would have reduced the vibrations on his machine.
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On the other hand, Makoto Tamada just avoided a serious fall that could have left him with significant injuries. The back tyre of his bike burst when he was riding at high speed along the main straight of the circuit and with the rubber from his tyre scattered around the tarmac he was able to control the bike. He stopped training and ended the day early, but without any injuries. |