Rain hampers Alstare

Alstare Corona Extra’s first 05 WSS and Superstock tests were a wash-out this week as heavy rain restricted preparation at Valencia, Spain.

New riders Javier Fores, Xavier Simeon and World Superstock number five Riccardo Chiarello got together for the first time as the team revealed the new 2005 GSX-R600s.

Fores (pictured) and Simeon lapped the circuit on the 2005 Supersport and Superstock bikes while Chiarello rode his 2004 GSX-R1000 Superstock machine.

Rain, combined with a recent rubber-laying Formula One test, meant grip was at a premium.

Fores managed a best of 1:48 and said: “On Tuesday, conditions were terrible. I don’t think there was any time when the track was completely dry so we just used the test to try and find a good base set up and get some ideas.”

Simeon (Superstock 600) lapped in 1:52 and added: “When it was wet it was a bit like an ice rink.”