MotoGP testing Qatar

**gav** · 8th March 2005, 22:42

Another MotoGP test was held recently at Qatar, where the WSBK boys raced recently!

Makoto Tamada topped the table, he was also quickest at Sepang, but had abig crash at Philip Island. Big surprise was who ended up second fastest, but really look how close these times are 2nd to 7th!!! Should be a great season, but the Yamaha boys werent present....

Unofficial times:
1. Makoto Tamada - Konica Minolta Honda: 1'56.63
2. Marco Melandri - Telefonica Movistar Honda: 1’57.31
3. Sete Gibernau - Telefonica Movistar Honda:1’57.32
4. Loris Capirossi - Ducati Marlboro: 1'57.32
5. Nicky Hayden - Repsol Honda: 1'57.33
6. Carlos Checa - Ducati Marlboro: 1'57.35
7. Alex Barros - Camel Honda: 1'57.38
8. Max Biaggi - Repsol Honda: 1'57.94
9. Troy Bayliss - Camel Honda: 1'58.18
10. Roberto Rolfo - D'Antin Ducati: 1'59.74

**TwoSeven** · 8th March 2005, 23:57

Shows you its a fast circuit, they are actually 4s a lap faster than the super bikes

**inlinefour** · 9th March 2005, 01:14

Thanks for that gav.

**gav** · 9th March 2005, 05:59

Interesting article here, comparing the times from the MotoGP boys and the WSBK teams. Its generally considered the Pirelli spec tyres are 2 seconds off the pace of the GP rubber. But also Tamada has since lapped quicker than the times referred to in this article.
http://www.crash.net/uk/en/news_view...d=5&nid=106009

**White trash** · 9th March 2005, 06:51

In 2003 at the British Superbikes round at Donnington, John Reynolds broke Valentinos lap record, set the previous weekend.

**TonyB** · 9th March 2005, 07:03

Not sure of the new rules, but I assume the engines in the 1000cc fours in WSBK aren't allowed to be modified as highly as the twins in order to keep it even. Whereas in MotoGP they're in a much higher state of tune. Would be interesting to see what would happen if a top team had free reign with a GSXR /R1/ ZX10/ CBR.

**rua** · 9th March 2005, 07:12

Contacted Prime tv the other day and the good news is free live coverage of all classes, all rounds.
pay tv? why bother.

**White trash** · 9th March 2005, 07:19

Originally Posted by rua

Contacted Prime tv the other day and the good news is free live coverage of all classes, all rounds.
pay tv? why bother.

What? Even World Supers?

**k14** · 9th March 2005, 07:22

Liked that article about sbk's vs motogp bikes gav. Especially this bit - "It has to be asked, based on this insight, whether the Suzuki MotoGP team might have been better off using 2005 development GSX-R1000 last season at Qatar in October, with Troy Corser comparatively securing a better qualifying time than the highest placed GSV-R last season for the race by 0.303secs."

**TwoSeven** · 9th March 2005, 13:19

The only real difference between the two is that an SBK is heavier and uses different materials, along with only being able to change design twice per year (with the changed bits needing a certain volume to be sold to the public). MotoGP are lighter, use different materials and they can change bits at will - they also run a different gear ratio as well, because they tune torque more than top speed.

There isnt much difference between a stock street bike and an SBK machine other than a change in electronics and replacing a few parts for ones more suitable for racing. Other than that, the bike is just blue-printed.

**duckman** · 9th March 2005, 13:35

**stooopid question time** Whats blue-printing ????

**k14** · 9th March 2005, 13:35

Originally Posted by TwoSeven

There isnt much difference between a stock street bike and an SBK machine other than a change in electronics and replacing a few parts for ones more suitable for racing. Other than that, the bike is just blue-printed.

I heard that the ten kate cbr1000rr was putting out around 220hp last year. There must be a bit more than just changing a few parts to get 65-70 more hp over the road bike.

**Skunk** · 9th March 2005, 13:44

Originally Posted by Crash.net

It has to be asked, based on this insight, whether the Suzuki MotoGP team might have been better off using 2005 development GSX-R1000 last season at Qatar in October, with Troy Corser comparatively securing a better qualifying time than the highest placed GSV-R last season for the race by 0.303secs.

Makes you wonder really... Doesn't it? Ignoring the rules for a moment of course - could you develop the GSX-R to be a top fiver?
(What is the capacity of the GSX-R?)

**White trash** · 9th March 2005, 13:45

Originally Posted by Skunk

(What is the capacity of the GSX-R?)

The new one's 999cc.

**White trash** · 9th March 2005, 13:46

Originally Posted by k14

Liked that article about sbk's vs motogp bikes gav. Especially this bit - "It has to be asked, based on this insight, whether the Suzuki MotoGP team might have been better off using 2005 development GSX-R1000 last season at Qatar in October, with Troy Corser comparatively securing a better qualifying time than the highest placed GSV-R last season for the race by 0.303secs."

The difference being last year the track hadn't been used. It was "green".