Alice Team Qatar test notes 2008-02-29

WINTER TESTS CONCLUDED FOR THE ALICE TEAM

With the second nocturnal test on the Losail International Circuit, in Qatar, MotoGP winter tests have concluded. From next weekend, always in Doha, things will get serious with the first 2008 MotoGP World Championship round. Alice Team riders, Toni Elias and Sylvain Guintoli, have worked hard to find the best solution for the beginning of the season. The French rider, during the fast lap, has slipped and hurt his right arm, but after the first medical exam it doesn't seem a serious injury. The rider is already on a flight to England where he will undergo further medical check up.

Fabiano Sterlacchini -- Technical Director

"It has been a constructive day even if results are not proving it. We have tried different solutions for the first race of the year, concentrating on the total package of the bike and tyres, but we didn't find any solution which allowed us to be faster than yesterday. Toni is physically and mentally ready, we only need to help him to find the right feeling with the bike, but we are confident to be able to give him a competitive bike starting from next Sunday. Race rhythm of both riders isn't so bad. Sylvain has slipped while he was trying to improve his fastest lap. The hit doesn't seem so severe and we believe we will have him here next weekend."

Toni Elias -- Alice Team Rider (16th best lap time in 1'56.986 -- Total laps 69)

"Today we had a schedule full of different things to try, and so we have done, without thinking too much at the fast lap. Let's say we were expecting something more, but this will be useful to look for alternative choices for next weekend, when lap times will really count. We have concluded our winter tests, we are a bit behind, but we have still time to improve the setting of the bike and adapt it to my riding style."

Sylvain Guintoli -- Alice Team Rider (17th best lap time in 1'57.055 -- Total laps 55)

"We made it to improve race rhythm. I found some difficulties with qualifying setting, and while I was pushing at the maximum, I slipped and hurt my right arm. I thought it would be bad, but after the first medical exams it doesn't seems such a serious injury. To be sure of it I am flying back to England straight away where I will undergo further medical exams to be sure that everything is ok. I want to be present at the official start of the season."

-credit: pda