KAWASAKI RACING TEAM JEREZ TEST
25TH NOVEMBER 2004

KAWASAKI RACING TEAM CONCLUDE SUCCESSFUL JEREZ TEST

Fuchs Kawasaki riders Shinya Nakano and Alex Hofmann completed a successful
three-day test session at the Jerez circuit in southern Spain this afternoon.

Both Kawasaki Ninja ZX-RR riders made maximum use of excellent weather - sunny
and warm conditions with no wind - for the end-of-season test.

The primary strategy behind the test was to provide a data bank of information
on which Kawasaki engineers will base development of the 2005 version of the
990cc, inline four-cylinder Ninja ZX-RR.

Although not chasing outright lap times both Nakano and Hofmann were able to
improve on their previous best times at the Jerez circuit, in both cases using
race tyres, not soft compound qualifying tyres.

Many rival teams and riders also present at the Jerez test posted their fastest
laps on the final afternoon with the use of qualifying tyres.

While Nakano concentrated on evaluating various engine configurations, Hofmann
was given the task of running back-to-back tests of various chassis and
suspension set-ups.

On the third and final day Hofmann also ran a grand prix race simulation.

Another key element of the three-day test was the opportunity for Nakano and
Hofmann to test a range of new Bridgestone tyres, both front and rear, of
varying constructions and compounds.

This tyre data will also form part of Bridgestone's plans for the 2005 season,
when they will once again be Kawasaki's tyre partner in MotoGP.

At the conclusion of the test the Kawasaki Racing Team began the long road trip
to the Paul Ricard Circuit in southern France.

A two-day test, only for Bridgestone wet weather tyres, has been scheduled for
next Monday and Tuesday, 29th and 30th of November. The Paul Ricard circuit has
a trackside water sprinkling system that provides an ideal test venue for wet
weather tyres.

The Paul Ricard test will bring to an end an exhausting year of racing and
testing for the Kawasaki squad, with both Nakano and Hofmann looking forward to
their winter holidays.

Nakano will spend time with his family in Japan at his home near Tokyo, while
Hofmann plans to relax at his home near the Swiss Alps.

Shinya Nakano: 1'41.94

"My main job over the three days was engine work, as we need this information to
prepare for the 2005 season. It was important to confirm the performance data we
logged during the season, and also to test some new components. I tested
different crankshaft set-ups, fuel injection throttle bodies and a revised
cylinder head specification. In the tyre tests I found a very good front tyre
from Bridgestone, which was a definite step forward from our race tyres at the
end of the season. Although it will be good to relax, my focus is already on
next season; everyone at Kawasaki is motivated to improve our performance."

Alex Hofmann: 1'42.37

"The weather was perfect for three days; I've never seen it so consistently good
at Jerez. My main job was to confirm the set-up work we have done this year, to
provide information so the engineers can check the direction for next year. It
was important to do this in the back-to-back situation of a three-day test. We
also did some work to make me more comfortable on the bike because of my height;
I'm much taller than Shinya. I did consistent laps of 1'42" in my race distance
simulation, and my fastest lap on race tyres was 0.7s faster than my qualifying
time in May. I think the direction we found at this test, with both the ZX-RR
and the Bridgestone tyres, is going be a very good direction for the engineers
over the winter."

Harald Eckl: Team Manager

"This was an excellent opportunity to confirm our data and direction for next
year. One thing is clear - our focus for 2005 is on engine performance and
driveability, getting the power to the ground in most efficient way. Our chassis
and suspension tests here confirmed that we have an excellent basis for 2005,
and we also have some ideas to maximise the performance of our Bridgestone
tyres. The latest tyres have improved edge grip, so we will look at some
swinging arm options and other chassis revisions to ensure we get the best from
the latest generation of tyres. It's been a lot of hard work by the team, but
well worth it."