18 APRIL 2005

HOFMANN FACES FIVE WEEK RECOVERY FROM INJURY

Kawasaki's Alex Hofmann will be forced to sit out the next two Grand Prix races
in China and France as a result of the injuries sustained when he was highsided
from his Ninja ZX-RR during a promotional event ahead of the Portuguese Grand
Prix.

The 24-year-old German rider was diagnosed with a fractured scaphoid in his left
wrist immediately after the crash, but a further medical examination at the
renowned Klinikum Rechts Der Isar near Munich on Monday uncovered additional
damage to the joint, forcing Hofmann to re-evaluate his recovery schedule.

In addition to the fractured scaphoid, Hofmann also suffered a hairline fracture
to the bottom of the Ulna, one of the two bones that run between the elbow and
the wrist, and soft tissue damage to his ankle. Doctors are also concerned about
the possibility of ligament damage around the injured joints.

Hofmann will undergo exploratory surgery on Tuesday, under the direction of hand
injury specialist Doctor Werber. The extent of the scaphoid fracture and
associated ligament damage will be assessed during the operation, and a decision
will be made as to whether additional surgery would speed Hofmann's return to
full fitness.

The main problem Hofmann faces in his fight back to fitness is not the fractured
scaphoid, but rather the damaged Ulna. Because of the location of the fracture
it is not possible to pin the bone, and the former European 250cc Champion must
accept a recovery period of four to five weeks before attempting to make his
racing return.

Discussions about a possible replacement for the injured Hofmann are currently
ongoing between the Kawasaki Racing Team and Kawasaki in Japan, with an
announcement expected before the team depart for the next round of the MotoGP
World Championship in China.

Alex Hofmann:

"I really didn't think it could get any worse, but every day since the crash it
has. Initially I thought I'd only fractured the scaphoid and that an operation
would allow me to be back on the bike after a relatively short recovery period.
But today's medical examination also discovered a small fracture in my ulna and,
because it's not possible for it to be pinned, it means that I'm going to be out
of action for at least four weeks while it heals naturally."

"Although it's hard, I have to accept the fact that I'm not going to be able to
race in Shanghai or Le Mans, but I'm determined to be back in action for the
Italian Grand Prix at Mugello. I think this is a realistic aim, although I am a
little concerned about the doctors finding additional damage to my wrist and
ankle when they assess the injuries during surgery tomorrow morning."

Harald Eckl: Team Manager

"I spoke to Alex after his examination today and, obviously, he's very
frustrated about the fact that he'll miss the next two races as a result of his
injuries. It's unfortunate that the fracture to his ulna can only be treated by
conventional means, because this will increase his recovery time. But I know he
will spend the next few weeks working hard to ensure he's fit to return for the
Italian Grand Prix at Mugello, as this is one of his favourite circuits.
Everyone in the team wishes him a speedy recovery, and we're looking forward to
having him back with us at Mugello."