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GFYT Catalunya IRTA test notes 2004-03-27

Rossi Receives First MotoGP Trophy During Washout Day in Barcelona Day two of the official MotoGP IRTA Tests at the Montmelo circuit near Barcelona proved a frustrating washout as the rain, which halted activity yesterday, continued throughout ...

Rossi Receives First MotoGP Trophy During Washout Day in Barcelona

Day two of the official MotoGP IRTA Tests at the Montmelo circuit near Barcelona proved a frustrating washout as the rain, which halted activity yesterday, continued throughout the day. Gauloises Fortuna Yamaha riders Valentino Rossi and Carlos Checa chose not to risk the wet weather and stayed with their teams inside the pit garage, while just a few riders braved the elements and took to the track for some wet-weather practice.

A bit of light relief from the inactivity was provided for the media after lunch when Dorna presented five-times World Champion and new Yamaha rider Valentino Rossi with the first ever official MotoGP trophy. The sculpture, which has been created by top international artist Lorenzo Quinn, son of Hollywood actor Anthony Quinn, is the first such trophy to commemorate the MotoGP World Championship in its 55 year history. The trophy has already been inscribed with the name of 2003 World Champion Valentino Rossi, who won last year's title with Honda before making his switch to Yamaha. Rossi was presented with the prize by Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta.

Speaking to the packed press room during the presentation the 25-year-old Italian said, "I am very happy to be receiving this trophy and I think it is a good idea to have something like this in MotoGP. I like it; it reminds me of the Indy Car trophy and I hope to have my name inscribed on it again in the future!"

The Catalunya IRTA Tests conclude tomorrow, although unfortunately more rain is forecast. The MotoGP teams then move down to southern Spain for two final days of official IRTA testing in Jerez on Wednesday 31 March and Thursday 1 April before the first race in South Africa on 18 April.

-yft-

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