Wintertests 2006-2007

KTM's Hiroshi Aoyama has smashed 1.6s off Daijiro Kato’s long-standing 250 lap record at Jerez. The Japanese rider, who rejected a move to Kawasaki’s MotoGP squad at the end of last season, set an impressive time of 1.42.82 as several top 250 riders kicked off their 2007 preparations in Spain. Aoyama’s best time was a massive 2.2s faster than Hector Barbera’s quickest lap in the 2006 Spanish GP.

en van loca op de gilera

Actieplaatje Kallio op de 250 KTM
(afbeelding)

1. Julián Simón 1.44.153.
2. Shuhei Aoyama 1.44.502.
3. Andrea Dovizioso 1.44.723.

The Honda 250cc teams also completed a successful three-days of testing 2007 chassis developments at Jerez. Repsol Honda team rider Shuhei Aoyama spent the day testing the latest version of the RS250RW chassis powered by a 2006 engine that HRC brought to Spain. The Japanese rider chasing increased corner speed and stability.

While Aoyama tested new parts his team mate for 2007, Julian Simon was making his 250 debut at Jerez following a four-years in 125 grand prix racing. Simon worked diligently riding as many laps as possible on the 250.testing different suspension chassis setting combinations in an effort to understand the characteristics of the more powerful machine.

Simon was the fastest 250 rider on the final day of the test surprising many with his consistent high pace over his marathon 68 lap stint today.

Humangest Honda rider Andrea Dovizioso was a busy man on the final day running through an extensive test programme before the session stopped at 18.00. The Italian, former 125cc world champion, was the only 250 Honda rider to test both engine development parts designed for the 2007 machine and the new chassis. While the chassis performed better on corner entry and exit than its predecessor Andrea feels the mid-corner performance needs to improve and is confident HRC will provide for that before the next scheduled 250cc test in February.

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