Test MotoGP. Phillip Island

First private test session of the Repsol Honda Team in Australia
Nicky Hayden, one of the fastest at the Phillip Island circuit; Alex Barros progressing at good pace
Only a couple of days after having finished the tests at the Malayan circuit of Sepang, the Repsol Honda Team gets back to activity at the Australian track on Phillip Island. Nicky Hayden and Alex Barros will spend three testing days here before travelling to Europe, where they will continue with their 2004 preseason.Hayden left Sepang last Friday with the fastest time after three testing days. In Sepang, only four months ago, Nicky Hayden had clinched his first real podium finish in the premier class. The young, 22-year-old rider was crowned last season’s Rookie of the Year and this year he is eager to improve and get on top of the podium in some races. Today, Hayden has been focussing on tyre testing and made a total of 100 laps on the Australian track.His team-mate Alex Barros, still recovering from the surgery he underwent at the end of last year on his right shoulder, was pleased with the three resting days between the tests in Malaysia and Australia. Barros keeps on working day by day to get back into shape and to set-up his new machine.Nicky Hayden: ‘We tested quite a lot of tyres today and got through quite a bit of work for Michelin. We seemed to go in one direction then tried another – not the greatest of days – but all part of the testin’ process. Tomorrow we really want to work on the bikes set-up. I’m not that happy with the way we have it now. It’s been clear and windy today. Nice to get on a new track after being at Sepang for two back-to-back sessions. It’s definitely a breath of fresh air to go at it on another circuit and see what carries from one circuit to another.’  Best lap 1m31.50; 4th fastest. 100 laps Alex Barros: ‘Not so bad today – coming better. The lap time is also closer to the first guy and I’m riding more consistently. We’re still trying to sort the set-up on the machine. Not yet the way I like it. We still have much to do. The main problem is turning; I still don’t feel the machine turns enough so tomorrow we try some different front fork settings and wheel sizes. Today we managed quite a few consecutive laps – sometimes 12 – and the shoulder feels all right. I’m feeling more comfortable on the machine with each day – the more you ride, the more you understand.’ Best lap 1m31.78 6th fastest 80 laps