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Benelli and Goddard starting
their preparations Jan 24th, 2002 |
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Benelli and Goddard starting
their preparations Jan 24th, 2002 |
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Italian motorcycle
manufacturer Benelli and Australian rider Peter Goddard will begin
off-season testing next week in Spain in preparation for their second
successive year together in the World Superbike Championship. Goddard
heads overseas tomorrow and will test an updated version of the
three-cylinder 900cc Benelli Tornado for the first time at the Cartagena
circuit on January 28-29.The 37-year-old said changes to the machine which made it's championship debut in 2001 included engine development at Benelli's racing headquarters in San Marino, and revised electronics and seating position. "This first test will be aimed primarily to evaluate the engine development which Benelli have been doing in recent months on power and torque delivery to make it smoother and flatter," he said. Benelli's pre-season preparation will also include participating in the official SBK test in late February at the Spanish circuit of Valencia, venue for the first of the 13 championship rounds on March 10. Goddard rode the Benelli in the final six rounds of the 2001 championship, and said the machine had proved its reliability by finishing nine of the 12 races it started, including three points-scoring results. "It's always a big challenge with a new bike, and it was encouraging that we were able to finish races regularly last season and collect data that will help us this year," he said. "Benelli have made a big commitment to make this project a success, and now we are working hard to further improve the performance and competitiveness of the Tornado, in addition to the proven reliability." "We have a very dedicated team of engineers and staff and I think we can look forward to a good season. Hopefully we can move up a level and be closer to the teams who have been in the championship much longer than us." Goddard, whose past record includes two race wins in the championship, in addition to winning the world endurance title in 1997, said Benelli would also benefit this year from tyre development by Dunlop. "We should have some new tyres to test before the season starts and I'm confident the Dunlops will be up to the task after the experience we gained working together last year," he said. Goddard, who married long-time partner Kim Wilhelmi in December on Dunk Island in North Queensland, will remain in Europe after the test at Cartagena until the championship opener at Valencia. The second round of the series is at Australia's Phillip Island circuit on March 24. |
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