Test Sepang MotoGP

The Repsol Honda Team concludes the test in Malaysia satisfactorily
Hayden finished testing at noon after having made all the scheduled tests. Barros continued in the afternoon improving progressively.
The rider of the Repsol Honda Team had no need to wait until the end of the session to complete the scheduled testing plan. The normal development of the three testing days and the absence of problems allowed Nicky Hayden to finish all tests planned for the Malaysian track of Sepang ahead of time. The excellent performance of Hayden was confirmed by his excellent time, 2’01.94, in only 41 laps. The pole time of last year’s Malaysian Grand Prix, held only four months ago was set by Valentino Rossi with 2’02.48.His team-mate Alex Barros continued in the afternoon after a short lunch break. The Brazilian rider is still working with perseverance on his new bike, avoiding to make any mistake that might delay the recovery of his shoulder injury.After the tests, the Repsol Honda Team will be travelling tomorrow to Australia to take part in the private tests scheduled for February 17, 18 and 19 on the Phillip Island circuit.Driver´s commentsNicky Hayden: ‘It really helps to be comfortable with the team and I think it shows. We’ve done a good job over the last few days and I’m happy. We’ve had a few problems but we are more experienced about fixin’ them now. I’ve never been that good in testin’ – I’m usually best on Sunday so we’re feelin’ positive. The bike feels good – Honda have made a great bike even better over the winter. The 16.5 inch front feels real good – just like I’m used to with a superbike. I just feel I can be more focussed on ridin’ the bike this year.than last. Last year I guess I had some excuses – I was learnin’. This year I wanna’ win races. I’m lookin’ forward to getting’ down to Phillip Island – a track I really like – and getting’ the bike to go fast there. Then back to Europe for more tests; then racin’. Can’t wait.’Wednesday; best lap 2m03.915 ; 6th fastest. 74 laps Thursday; best lap 2m02.855 2nd fastest 64 laps Friday; best lap 2m01.94 41 laps (2003 MotoGP pole Sepang; V Rossi 2m02.48)Alex Barros: ”For me that was a hard few days; great to be back on a bike after so long away. I’m now sore and tired. We use ice on my shoulder and it helps. My confidence is coming back again and it’s good to be back on the Honda again. Although I have to learn all the reference points again it is a relaxed bike to ride. I have much feeling on the Honda -the tyres, the suspension. I’ve only used the 16.5 inch front a little. Too early to say yet.The set-up is not right but I feel I’m improving with every day. My lap times are constant and they will improve with my fitness. Tendons have to heal naturally so it will take a time to regain 100% fitness and this is the goal for the start of the season.’Wednesday; best lap 2m05.980 17th fastest 52 laps Thursday; best lap 2m04.427 14th fastest 48 laps Friday; best lap