MotoGP 2005 Qualifying

Kawasaki rider, Shinya Nakano, is poised for a strong assault in tomorrow's Qatar Grand Prix, following a super-fast performance in today's qualifying session.

Nakano heads the third row of the grid, with the seventh fastest time, just 0.3s off the pole position time set by fellow Bridgestone tyre rider Loris Capirossi.

Nakano's best lap of 1'57.697s was a massive 1.2s under last year's pole record at the 5.3 km Losail Circuit. He was in the top ten for most of the session and as high as fourth with 20 minutes remaining,

Nakano is looking for a good start and racing with the lead group in conditions that are suited to his latest spec Ninja ZX-RR and Bridgestone tyres.

Following front suspension changes to his bike overnight, Nakano reported more positive front-end feel and turn-in response in today's two hours of practice and qualifying.

Apart from more rider friendly, bottom-end throttle response the latest power-up version of the ZX-RR motor is producing increased top speed performance on the 1000 metre straight at Losail.

The straight provides a once-only burst in sixth gear on the 5.3 km circuit, which features eight, second-gear turns in its 16 turn layout.

The baking-hot desert temperatures continued for qualifying, with 50 degree track temperatures that are also forecast for the race. A small heat shield fitted around the right-side footpeg of Nakano's bike now provides protection to the Japanese rider's foot from the blast of super-hot air in these conditions.

Nakano will be the lone rider for Kawasaki in the race following the withdrawal of Olivier Jacque, who suffered shoulder, neck and back pain following a crash in yesterday's opening free practice.

Jacque has flown out to Europe today for further tests and treatment.

Shinya Nakano: #56 - Seventh - 1'57.697
"Today was much better, I had more confidence with the front-end and seventh position is okay - I think we have a competitive package here. Now I just want to race to the chequered flag without anyone bumping me off tomorrow. At this track, and in these conditions, I don't think it is easy for anyone to have the perfect bike and tyre set-up, but I have done some good race runs on the latest Bridgestone tyres. The latest motor is responsive on acceleration, which is an advantage at this track. Today I was more comfortable in the heat, yesterday I found it difficult to concentrate, it is like a blast furnace at nearly 320 kph in this heat."

Ichiro Yoda: Technical Manager
"Shinya has done race times similar to our main rivals, so this gives me confidence for the race, especially with the easier throttle control from the engine specification we have for this race. Our top speed has also noticeably improved, and Bridgestone have continued their excellent tyre work."

Harald Eckl: Team Manager
"If Shinya gets away with the front group like he did in Sepang then he will be a real threat for the podium in this race; he's one of the strongest racers in MotoGP. Shinya's practice performance has been consistent and, although I thought he had a chance for a second row spot in qualifying, I think seventh is not a big problem. In these conditions I expect a Bridgestone tyre rider will win the race, it would be nice if he is in green!"

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