The first Gauloises Yamaha Team test of 2005 was rounded off this afternoon with another set of good lap-times from factory team riders Valentino Rossi and Colin Edwards. The two team-mates and their crews were satisfied with the work completed over the three days and will now head home for a short rest before returning to Sepang in just over two weeks to continue the busy winter testing schedule.

World Champion Rossi and Yamaha new-recruit Edwards both completed long runs on their 2005-specification YZR-M1s this afternoon and also spent time testing different tyres for Michelin. Loris Capirossi (Ducati) set the unofficial fastest time for the third consecutive day with a lap of 2’00.54, followed by Honda rider and last year’s championship runner-up Sete Gibernau with a time of 2’01.21. Rossi completed 45 laps and improved from yesterday with the third fastest lap of the day in a time of 2’01.36. He was followed by Honda team-mates Nicky Hayden (2’01.68) and Max Biaggi (2’01.91) with Edwards sixth fastest after 43 laps and a best time of 2’01.93.

Valentino Rossi, (2m01.36, 45 laps) - “I am very happy with this test, especially today. It’s been a very important test with the new bike, and we’ve done some good work. We did quite a few laps together today and the bike felt really good, as did the tyres. We’ve improved from the race last year and from the last test in November, which is encouraging. We still have a lot of things to test with the new bike and a lot of work to do, but we are looking forward to another good test next month.”

Colin Edwards (2m01.93, 43 laps) - “Today was good. I did a long run of laps in the hottest part of the day, and the wind had changed so all the brake markers were different! It took me a couple of laps to readjust and I made a few mistakes, but once I got settled I kept a good pace and it all felt okay. I’m leaving here on a positive note and I’m pleased with what we’ve achieved. I can’t wait to come back and hopefully carry on the good work!”

Jeremy Burgess, Valentino Rossi’s Crew Chief - “The test has been a success and we’re on schedule. The lap times have been better and we’ve improved the new bike; we’re not unhappy in any regard. This is only the first test of the year, but Yamaha has done an excellent job and given us a good bike, so now it’s up to us to get it ready for the start of the season.”

Daniele Romagnoli, Colin Edwards’ Crew Chief - “This has been a positive test all round. We’ve found a good feeling with the bike and the set-up is okay. The bike is turning well and we’ve improved stability over the course of the test. Colin did a long run this afternoon and his pace was fast, better than in the race last year. Of course we need to come back here for the next test and continue with everything we’ve been doing; we need to work on the settings for the chassis and suspension and continue making small improvements, but we’ve got a good base to start from.”

Unofficial Lap Times:
1. Loris Capirossi (Ducati) 2m00.54
2. Sete Gibernau (Honda) 2m01.21
3. Valentino Rossi (Yamaha) 2m01.36
4. Nicky Hayden (Honda) 2m01.68
5. Max Biaggi (Honda) 2m01.91
6. Colin Edwards (Yamaha) 2m01.93