GP season kicks off

The 2005 MotoGP season kicks off in earnest tomorrow with the first of two official tests starting at Catalunya.

All the teams bar WCM Blata will be at the circuit for the three day test and there will even be a 40-minute mock qualifying session with the fastest rider in winning a new BMW 1 series car.

The qualifying session will be televised and the times the riders clock will count towards the BMW qualifier of the year award that was won by Valentino Rossi last year.

Camel Honda launched its new line up in preparation today, with new riders Troy Bayliss and Alex Barros being led on stage by a bevy of beauties.

Team manager Sito Pons said: “When we present the team at the beginning of a season, I get the same kind of excitement as when our bikes are on the starting grid waiting for the green light. In the team’s 24 years there have been many thrilling winning moments and times which we are happy to remember.

“The Honda name is now part of the team’s history and in my opinion the RC211V is the best bike. Both our new riders, Troy Bayliss and Alex Barros, have the necessary talent and experience to carry out the enviable yet arduous task of taking it to victory.”

Click here to watch the video of the launch (external site).

Although KTM has finally managed to get it’s MotoGP project off the ground with the help of Kenny Roberts’ Proton team and Shane Byrne, their 250GP machine is still not ready and won’t be at the test and may even miss the first races.

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