Jerez test confirms Hayate progress

The hastily-assembled Hayate Racing team performed only their second preseason test this past weekend, but the race for readiness took a big step forward at Jerez. Marco Melandri’s fastest lap of 1’40.405 at the MotoGP Official Test was nearly 1.5 seconds quicker than his best race time from 2008, leaving the team optimistic about what they acknowledge will be a tough season.

“It was a good test for me, after Qatar where we struggled a lot,” said the Italian rider. “We worked hard between then and now, and here we concentrated on improving the setup. We’re not far from the middle group, so it’s quite good.”

The former MotoGP World Championship runner-up also took advantage of adverse weather at his first daytime test of 2009, trying out the Ninja ZX-RR’s wet weather capabilities.

“I missed a lot of time this preseason and the bike is completely new, so it was important to ride in the wet here.”

Melandri’s quest to gel with the machinery was aided by the arrival of new parts from the Kawasaki factory, although support will now be scaled down. Melandri’s Crew Chief/Team Manager Andrea Dosoli explained the agreement currently in place as the test concluded.

“We arrived here with new parts and proved that they were beneficial. We fixed some issues that we had with the rear of the bike.

“From now on the factory will keep producing parts and maintaining the engine for the season. If we have any problems, they will support us. I have confidence in them,” said Dosoli.