Nakano cut, rain hinders 'big bang' development.

Following on from tests in Malaysia, the Kawasaki Racing Team arrived at a cold and cloudy Jerez circuit today (Thursday) to start the European phase of their preparations for the 2005 MotoGP season.

With the continued development of the Ninja ZX-RR a priority in the run up to the new season, Kawasaki's regular MotoGP pilots, Shinya Nakano and Alex Hofmann, were joined by Japanese test rider Kazuki Shimizu.

Cold track temperatures delayed the start of testing, and the onset of rain at noon forced a long break in the test schedule, but both Hofmann and Shimizu managed to work their way through a shortened test programme despite the conditions.

"Track conditions haven't been ideal today," confirmed Hofmann. "Even before the rain arrived the track was slippery and quite dirty because of the building work going on around the circuit.

"The track started to dry out in the afternoon, but there are always spots on this circuit that seep water long after the rain has gone, which means the track was never completely dry," added the German. "We only managed to test a few things on the bike this afternoon, but at least we got a feel for the circuit ready for a full day of testing tomorrow."

While Hofmann evaluated a number of new components aboard his Ninja ZX-RR, Shimizu worked closely with Kawasaki engineers from Japan and Europe to develop further the 'big bang' engine that Nakano debuted during a previous test at Sepang.

"This is my first time in Europe, so part of today was spent learning the circuit as well as continuing the test and development work on the latest ZX-RR engine that we started in Malaysia," said the Japanese. "Hopefully the track conditions and the weather will improve tomorrow and we'll be able to put in a full day of testing."

Nakano's test programme also centred around the big bang engine, but was brought to a premature end when the 27-year-old suffered a minor injury after colliding with the fuel tank of his ZX-RR under heavy braking.

Nakano underwent a precautionary examination by doctors at Jerez hospital, where he received stitches in a small cut to his inner thigh, but returned to the circuit later in the afternoon.

"I didn't get in one fast lap today. We started testing late because of the low track temperatures and then I managed to pick up an injury just as the rain arrived," Shinya explained.

"I've had stitches in a small cut, which is quite painful whenever I move, so I'll wait until tomorrow morning before making a decision about riding during the second day of the test."