IRTA PRE-SEASON TEST - CIRCUITO DE JEREZ, SPAIN
26 MARCH 2005 - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SUPER SHINYA FASTEST ON DAY TWO OF JEREZ TEST

A classy performance in variable weather conditions saw Japanese ace Shinya
Nakano claim the fastest lap time on day two of the final pre-season IRTA test
at Jerez.

Nakano's stylish effort was backed-up by his ever-improving teammate Alex
Hofmann, who was sixth fastest as he continued on a steep learning curve with
the new Ninja ZX-RR big-bang motor.

Today was just Hofmann's third outing using the new motor, which has completely
different engine characteristics to last year's 'screamer' version of the 990cc,
in-line four-cylinder power plant.

Apart from engine set-up, Hofmann also tested a revised rear swinging arm and
chassis geometry.

The pre-lunch session was conducted initially on a wet and then slowly drying
track after steady morning rain showers.

Clearing sun broke through in the afternoon, although only the final hour
provided close to ideal track conditions. Nakano's fastest lap of 1'42.112 was
three tenths of a second slower than his day one time.

However the conditions provided a valuable opportunity for Kawasaki and their
tyre partner Bridgestone to collect valuable data for future development.

Bridgestone had variations of their latest full-tread, wet pattern tyres
available and both Nakano and Hofmann were impressed with the improved side grip.

Also aiding wet track performance is the smoother power delivery and improved
throttle control of the big-bang ZX-RR motor, although, as technical director
Ichiro Yoda notes, there is still more to come from this motor, which is still
in an early development phase.

In the dry afternoon session Nakano's main job was to gather data for
Bridgestone in advance of the first race, and his lap times reflect the
competitive level of the Japanese tyres at Jerez.

Kawasaki engineers are planning to assess updated settings from electronics
supplier Magneti Marelli during tomorrow's third and final day of testing.

Shinya Nakano: #56 - 46 laps (1'42.112)

"It's a good feeling to be fastest, although there were still some wet patches
from the rain. In the dry the Bridgestone tyres are very compatible with this
track, and I just worked to provide as much data as possible. The new type
Bridgestone wet tyre, combined with the big-bang engine, is a noticeable
improvement from last year in the rain. There is now better side grip and easier
throttle control in slippery conditions, but there is still more work to be done."

Alex Hofmann: #66 - 42 laps (1'42.699)

"The new Bridgestone wet tyres are a step forward, although the consistency is
not perfect once the track starts to dry out. In the dry I'm working on the
set-up of the engine braking with the big-bang motor, and I'm still lacking some
confidence. In the slower first gear corners the motor is pushing me forward
rather than helping me control the rear tyre. I hope we have a clear day
tomorrow to try and solve this problem for the first race."

Ichiro Yoda: Technical Director

"Today's weather was very beneficial, because it provided some very clear
directions for our engineers, both at Kawasaki and Bridgestone. With the wet
tyres the performance needs to improve in drying conditions when the rain has
stopped. Also very clear from today's wet conditions is that we have to improve
the throttle connection and power delivery with the big-bang motor, as this is
the most important function of a MotoGP engine. So, overall, today was an
excellent day to provide a future direction for our next development phase."

Final Times - Day Two:

 1. Shinya Nakano (Kawasaki Racing Team)        1'42.112
 2. Nicky Hayden (Repsol Honda)                 1'42.139
 3. Sete Gibernau (Telefonica Movistar Honda)   1'42.278
 4. John Hopkins (Suzuki MotoGP)                1'42.359
 5. Marco Melandri (Telefonica Movistar Honda)  1'42.573
 6. Alex Hofmann (Kawasaki Racing Team)         1'42.699
 7. Valentino Rossi (Gauloises Yamaha)          1'42.710
 8. Kenny Roberts (Suzuki MotoGP)               1'43.083
 9. Colin Edwards (Gauloises Yamaha)            1'43.095
10. Troy Bayliss (Camel Honda)                  1'43.130
11. Alex Barros (Camel Honda)                   1'43.328
12. Max Biaggi (Repsol Honda)                   1'43.559
13. Ruben Xaus (Fortuna Yamaha)                 1'43.756
14. Toni Elias (Fortuna Yamaha)                 1'43.813
15. Vittoriano Guareschi (Marlboro Ducati)      1'44.375