Schumacher, Spies and sunshine out on opening test day

http://www.motogp.com/en/motogp/moto...id=3&section=1

Gi

Race runs in his veins ...

Schumacher shocks - on a MotoGP bike!
Monday, 5th November 2007

Former seven-times Formula One world champion Michael Schumacher made a dramatic return to the racetrack at Valencia on Monday - riding a MotoGP bike!

The German legend had previously made a cautious MotoGP debut on a 990cc Ducati during a secret test at Mugello in October of 2005, but the now retired F1 ace picked a much more public 'press and guest' test for his second appearance - and didn't disappoint.

Just one day after the season-ending Valencian Grand Prix, Schumacher took to the same twisty Spanish circuit on board Casey Stoner's 800cc Desmosedici, which won the 2007 MotoGP World Championship and finished second behind Honda's Dani Pedrosa in the season finale.

And, while 'Schumi' had been a distant 18 seconds a lap off MotoGP speed at Mugello, he put in an incredible performance on his 800cc debut at Valencia - charging around the Spanish track in a best lap time just five seconds off Pedrosa's race lap record of 1min 32.748secs!

Schumacher's 1min 37.9secs also put the former Ferrari driver just three seconds a lap from the back of the MotoGP field. Michael was 'coached' by former 500GP star Randy Mamola during his extended session, which lasted for most of the afternoon.

Also sampling 2007 MotoGP power at Valencia on Monday was another F1 legend, Gerhard Berger, together with former 500cc world champions Wayne Gardner, Kevin Schwantz and Alex Criville, reigning double AMA Superbike champion Ben Spies, BSB stars Michael Rutter and Tom Sykes, plus Trial riders Toni Bou and Laia Sanz.




Why Schimi's times don't surprise me???? Maybe because he was riding KC's bike

Gi

On Duke's engine too!

Gi

Ok winter testing boring!!!!!!
Will they try new engine in Jerez, without pneumatic walves?
I hope so, cuz this one is mess!

Nice ride by Schimi! Thats a great effort.

Actually I`m a bit surprised to see that MS wasn`t faster than KC himself

Well he did have the best bike and the best tyres - and very little experience. Wonder how he would have done on Vale's bike?

Hmmm I don`t really know, let`s see...... if he manages to go out of the pit line before his tyres fall apart, he`ll probably make half a lap before the engine blows up .
Inappropriate humour, I know , but I hope that neither Yamaha nor Bridgestone are going to give me a reason to talk like that after the end of the next season. Come on guys...... WORK!

I think Duke has made some little modification os KC's bike before giving it to Schumi... or wouldn't you think a bit strange that a F1 rider scored a faster lap than taht one that the MotoGP WC did?


I don't think Schumi was ready to get hurt and meet the sand box on his 1st lap! That would be a shame for him! ( Or a shame to Yam?)

Me too Amonqk, me too!

Gi