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Post by BADGER on Sept 13, 2007 21:49:06 GMT
For much of the 990cc era, Kawasaki lacked the horsepower needed to keep up with its leading MotoGP rivals along the straights - but that situation has been totally reversed with the new 800cc pneumatic-valve ZX-RR engine.
As such, both Randy de Puniet and Anthony West are keen to tackle the long Estoril main straight during this weekend's Portuguese Grand Prix- while chassis developments should help through the twisty sections.
"I was trying out a new swingarm [at the Misano test], and immediately got a good feeling from it, so hope to use it in Portugal," said de Puniet. "Estoril's a very technical circuit. There's a long straight, which should be good for the ZX-RR, and another back straight, but the rest is really slow, especially the chicane at turns nine and ten. I think we're going to do really well there with the 800cc bike. We can certainly be at the top."
"At the test after the Misano race, we made some changes to the set up which immediately made me quicker and helped with the chatter problems I've been having, which means I should be able to run faster in Portugal," added West. "I like the track at Estoril, although it's quite complex. It will be better than Misano for seeing what the revised engine's capable of, especially down the long start/finish straight, but the slow, tight sections will keep us on our toes as well!"
Suzuki has also used pneumatic valves since the start of the 2007 season, with Yamaha introducing its own version of the technology last time out at Misano.
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Post by Young Burchy on Sept 14, 2007 9:50:49 GMT
Was that the reason to why Rossi had to pull out in the last race - new engine problems! Although some of the racin has not been to WSB standard, its been a breath of fresh air with Team Green and Suzuki challenging up the top this season.
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