At Catalunya 250cc IRTA test
The first official IRTA tests at the Montmeló circuit ended today with all of the teams taking part in the 2006 250cc World Championship present.
FORTUNA APRILIA riders JORGE LORENZO and HECTOR BARBERA worked hard over the two days of tests with the intention of continuing development of the bikes they will ride for the next two seasons in the 250cc World Championship
The objective of these two days of tests on the Aprilia was not to set fast lap times but for the riders to continue with their preseason programme. Even so both riders showed consistent pace over the two days, with Jorge Lorenzo fastest on day one with his team- mate Hector Barberá in third.

Thursday the FORTUNA APRILIA riders Jorge Lorenzo and Hector Barberá dominated for the majority of the session, setting the first and fourth fastest times respectively. Dani Amatriain`s two star pupils left a positive impression.

The FORTUNA APRILIA riders will now travel to Jerez for the second session of official tests before tackling the first race of the season at the same circuit in just over three weeks` time.

JORGE LORENZO (48) (55 laps on day one, 86 laps on day two) Best lap time: 1`46.563
“I`m leaving Barcelona with a good taste in my mouth. I feel really good on the bike and this is important to be able to lap comfortably. I`m satisfied with the job my team is doing although we still have plenty of room for improvement. My dream has always been to ride an APRILIA and I don`t intend to let this opportunity slip through my fingers. I`m feeling confident and I`m hoping for a good result at Jerez because it is a circuit that hasn`t been good to me in the past.”

HECTOR BARBERA (80) ( 53 laps on day one, 79 laps on day two): Best lap time: 1`47.430
“The track was dirtier today at the start although the situation improved later and we ended the test feeling pretty satisfied. I have a good set-up and that allows me to maintain a good pace. I finished fourth but I have to say I feel really comfortable. Now we`ve got the Jerez tests to look forward to before a slight break ahead of the first race of the season. I can`t wait for it to start.”

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