Press Release
(2005 FIM Road Racing World Championship)
CAMEL HONDA
Spanish GP - MotoGP 

Camel Honda starts off MotoGP 2005 at a favourite track

The MotoGP World Championship 2005 gets under way this coming Sunday, April
10th, with the first race taking place at the Spanish Jerez track, a circuit
which has seen Camel Honda colours on the podium both in 2003 and 2004. The
Andalusian track also holds good memories for both of the team's riders, Alex
Barros and Troy Bayliss. Alex Barros took his first podium of 2004 at the
circuit, whilst Troy Bayliss made his first ever podium appearance in MotoGP
there in 2003. With tests coming to a close ten days ago, the positive work done
by the team throughout the winter became apparent, and the riders cannot wait
for the new season to begins.

Sito Pons - Camel Honda

"This is an important moment for us, because we are beginning a new season, and
we have high expectations. We are beginning a new project, with two new riders;
one of whom, Barros, already rode with us in the past and is a returning friend,
whilst the other, Bayliss, is the kind of guy we have already begun to
appreciate. They are both experienced, quick and are full of determination.
Another reason to be happy is that the 2005 season kicks off in Spain, and at
Jerez, a charismatic place which will undoubtedly play host to another fantastic
event once more. We did some great work over winter and I am sure that our two
riders will be taking the team to the front of the pack from the very start."

Alex Barros #4:

"We have worked hard during winter, and in Jerez even more so. The last test day
I did over a hundred laps, testing everything required both on the bike and the
tyres. At the beginning the RCV was a little nervous and I wasn't able to ride
it cleanly, but by the end we have found a good set-up. I think we are quite
ready for the race, which will certainly be hard-fought. From what I have seen
during the winter tests, there was hardly anything to choose between so many
riders on several occasions, so I think this season will be very, very tough and
extremely competitive. I feel good, comfortable with my bike, and more in shape
than I have been for so long. I'm ready to begin."

Troy Bayliss #12:

"Finally the tests came to an end, and the championship is now beginning. During
winter not everything was rosy for me, but despite a few difficulties, we have
made a lot of progress. In Jerez I wasn't as quick as in the December tests, and
frankly, I still don't know why, but the effort both myself and the team put in
has been enormous. This Sunday we will see if we are able to capitalise on the
hard work we have done up to now. I simply can't wait for the race to come
around."
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