The winter tests raised expectations for a truly hard fought season in which the outcome is by no means a foregone conclusion. The two Team Camel Honda riders, Max Biaggi and Makoto Tamada, were at any rate constantly among the fastest whenever they had time to set up their RC211Vs properly. So both are setting off for Welkom with one imperative: to make the very best of the four practice sessions and find the settings best suited to the African circuit.

Since it was built in 1999, the “Phakisa” has acquired a reputation as a circuit with dirty and rippled tarmac. Last year the problem was reduced by repaving, but the fact that few races are held here means the inconvenience of having almost no rubbering in – and thus very little grip – comes round every year. Another characteristic of the Phakisa is the altitude, as the rarefied air reduces the power of the engines by as much as 15%: a challenge within the challenge that the Team Camel Honda technicians and riders are ready to take up.

Max Biaggi #3: (Michelin tyres) - “As for South Africa, I can say that I quite like the track: it’s got a nice layout and it’s pleasant to ride. The weather’s normally good... though I do feel like making a gesture to ward off ill-fate when I say that. What’s sure is that I’m not looking forward to the undulating tarmac, even though it’s been redone just recently, and the fact that the track generally takes quite a bit of time – at least all the first day of practice – before the grip is acceptable. And with two different frames to compare and the right set-up to work out, we’re going to need every minute we’ve got to decide what configuration to use for the official qualifying – and this is going to be even tougher, with the new three-per-row rule – and, of course, for the race. We’re going to have to react fast and understand immediately what to do. I feel good and I’m starting out with confidence and determination.”

Makoto Tamada #6: (Bridgestone tyres) - “I can’t wait to be in Welkom when the first green light of the season goes on. I’m just raring to go and I’m feeling incredibly motivated to do my best. In the recent IRTA tests in Montmelò and Jerez, I really didn’t bring my full potential to bear. We didn’t have the weather on our side that time, and the work was very discontinuous. The cold weather didn’t let our simulate the GP in conditions like what I think we’ll be finding in the first championship races. I’m waiting for some more new materials to come in from Bridgestone: I was able to try out some in the IRTA tests, and the results were good, but I’m expecting more in South Africa. Now, the track at Welkom has a few little unknown factors: first of all, it isn’t much used for practice and competitions, so we don’t have much recent information about the grip and the state of the circuit – and the weather, which is sometimes unsettled, may be another variable. So there may be a few surprises – but I’d like to be the biggest of all: going fast during the four hours of practice and getting out in front in the race.”