Yamaha ends promising first R6 test

Experienced Australian Kevin Curtain was satisfied with the performance of the new machine, recording a best lap time of 1:38.6 on a machine that is still in its first stage of development as a race bike. The 39-year-old was able to enjoy two dry and trouble free days on the circuit, allowing him to complete a full test programme, evaluating numerous suspension and tyre options on the R6.

Curtain's team-mate Broc Parkes was only able to complete a handful of laps today after crashing at the final corner on his first session of the morning. The 24-year-old lost rear end grip, no doubt due to the low track temperature. Parkes took a knock to his ankle but escaped serious injury, although his bike fared less well and his test was curtailed due to a lack of spare parts. His best lap time was a 1:38.8, set yesterday.

Yamaha Motor Germany's next test is scheduled to take place at Phillip Island in Australia next month. Round one of the 2006 Supersport World Championship takes place at the Losail circuit, Qatar, on 25 February.

Three other R6 riders were in attendance at the test. David Checa rode a machine fitted with prototype YEC 2006 kit parts while the Lorenzini by Leoni squad was also in attendance. The Yamaha Motor Italia supported squad only received their bikes last week, although Massimo Roccoli and Gianluca Vizziello recorded respectable times despite their machines being virtually stock.

Kevin Curtain

"I'm really happy with how things went over the past two days. The guys did a really great job to get the bikes ready in time and running without any problems, although it shouldn't be a surprise as they are such a meticulous team. The temperatures were still a bit low today but we were able to get through pretty much everything we planned. I've been really impressed with the bike. The engine has so much more mid-range than the R6 I rode last season and the chassis, especially the levels of front end grip, is amazing. I'm going home to Australia confident that the bike can challenge for the title next year."

Broc Parkes

"It was a big crash I'm hurting all over and I can't move my left ankle much, but at least it seems that nothing's broken. It was early and cold and I got caught out, lost the back end and that was it. It's a shame I wasn't able to get more time on the bike but at least we were able to get through most of what we needed to yesterday. Despite everything though it's been a good first test and we've already got a good base to work from. I'm heading back to Australia tomorrow and the boys will no doubt have made some more developments for our test in Australia next month. After three days in Phillip Island we should be in good shape for the start of the season."

Terrell Thien (Team Manager)

"It's been a positive first test, although it was a shame that Broc wasn't able to finish his test programme today. The track temperature was only about 5°C and he lost the back end. Unfortunately the bike was too badly damaged to continue and we do not yet have enough spares to rebuild the bike. Overall though it has been very positive. At present our bike is maybe only 50 per cent of its potential, so it's very encouraging to already be at the level of last year's bike. We have three days testing at Phillip Island next month, after which we should be in good shape for the start of the season."

Lap times

Kevin Curtain (Yamaha Motor Germany YZF-R6) 1:38.6

Broc Parkes (Yamaha Motor Germany YZF-R6) 1:38.8

Massimo Roccoli (Lorenzini by Leoni YZF-R6) 1:39.7

Gianluca Vizziello (Lorenzini by Leoni YZF-R6) 1:39.9

David Checa (Yamaha GMT94 YZF-R6) 1:39.9

Nakatomi debut ends on a low note

15/12/2005

Shinichi Nakatomi's first ride for the Yamaha Motor France team with whom he will compete in the 2006 Superbike World Championship ended on a low note after the Japanese rider ended the day in hospital with a hand injury.

The 27-year-old joined team-mates Norick Abe and Sebastien Gimbert at the two-day test at the Valencia circuit in Spain, impressing on what was his first ride on any circuit outside his native Japan, despite ending the day in the medical centre after crashing during his final session. Like many riders at Valencia, Nakatomi lost the front after pushing too hard on a cold tyre. He has been taken to hospital and is undergoing further examination.

The team worked on development of Yamaha's YEC kit parts and tested numerous parts, including new suspension and swingarms, with Abe and Nakatomi running new Soqi suspension today and Gimbert concentrating on engine development. The team will use the data gained from the test to build its 2006-specification machines over the winter.

Abe ended the test as the fastest rider, setting a best lap of 1:36.8, with Gimbert recording a 1:37.0 and Nakatomi 1:38.2. Also in the Yamaha Motor France garage was David Checa, who was running a YZF-R6 fitted with prototype YEC racing parts.

Norick Abe

"We tried three different types of front suspension and one new rear. On one of the front forks I was able to do a 1:36.8, which is probably my best ever testing lap around here! I was quite happy with this fork and I would like to carry out further tests when we go to Phillip Island next month so that we can decide which brand to use on the race bike."

Sebastien Gimbert

"Quite a good test. I concentrated on evaluating the engine parts and I think we have found some good improvements from the bike I rode last year. I'm feeling fit and I'm happy with my times, especially considering the cold weather makes grip levels low at these tests."

Shinichi Nakatomi

"I had been enjoying my first experience in Valencia until the crash. I was making good progress to learn the bike and tyres and I was happy with my lap times. Now I must wait for a full diagnosis from the doctor and hope that the injury is not too serious."