Heat Wave

'I'm feeling much better on the bike than I was at Donington just a few days ago. I can do fast, consistent times with improved throttle connection from the latest engine tune on the Ninja ZX-RR. Combined with the grip levels of the new Bridgestone tyres, I was able to concentrate on my riding today, and not worry so much about the bike or tyres. I think we can improve more, both with the engine settings and the front end feeling.'

- Shinya on his free practice times

Source : Kawasaki-Eckl

Shinya was 5th (!) during free practice at Sachsenring for the German Grand Prix under blazing heat. He must've had a meltdown later on though, here are the qualifying times :-

1. Nicky Hayden USA Repsol Honda Team 1min 22.785 secs
2. Sete Gibernau SPA Team Movistar Honda 1min 22.889 secs
3. Alex Barros BRA Camel Honda 1min 22.932 secs
4. Valentino Rossi ITA Gauloises Yamaha Team 1min 22.973 secs
5. Marco Melandri ITA Team Movistar Honda 1min 23.051 secs
6. Max Biaggi ITA Repsol Honda Team 1min 23.054 secs
7. Colin Edwards USA Gauloises Yamaha Team 1min 23.139 secs
8. Loris Capirossi ITA Ducati Marlboro Team 1min 23.174 secs
9. Kenny Roberts USA Team Suzuki MotoGP 1min 23.212 secs
10. John Hopkins USA Team Suzuki MotoGP 1min 23.296 secs
11. Carlos Checa ITA Ducati Marlboro Team 1min 23.341 secs
12. Shinya Nakano JPN Kawasaki Racing Team 1min 23.382 secs
13. Alex Hofmann GER Kawasaki Racing Team 1min 23.405 secs
14. Olivier Jacque FRA Kawasaki Racing Team 1min 23.715 secs
15. Makoto Tamada JPN Konica Minolta Honda 1min 23.86 secs
16. Troy Bayliss AUS Camel Honda 1min 23.916 secs
17. Toni Elias SPA Fortuna Yamaha Team 1min 24.421 secs
18. Ruben Xaus SPA Fortuna Yamaha Team 1min 24.605 secs
19. James Ellison GBR Blata WCM 1min 24.988 secs
20. Roberto Rolfo ITA D'Antin Ducati Pramac 1min 25.011 secs
21. Shane Byrne GBR Team Roberts 1min 25.713 secs
22. Franco Battaini ITA Blata WCM 1min 26.154 secs

Source : crash.net

Here's to seeing some 'live' action from Star Sports tommorow then. Willing Shinya on to his top 8 spot, at least.