Yesterdays rain gave way to a sunny day that allowed the Repsol Honda Team to continue the normal development of the 2007 preseason tests.
Nicky Hayden and the Repsol Honda Team enjoyed hot and dry conditions at the Sepang circuit today as they continued the initial testing programme for Hondas new RC212V. The new MotoGP World Champion completed 77 valuable laps on the machine he will campaign in next years 18-round series. In contrast to yesterdays torrential rain, ambient temperatures quickly rose above 34 degrees today and the track surface reached a blistering 45 degrees.The 25-year-old American set about improving the balance of his RCV, having felt the weight distribution gave too heavy a feeling from the front end. Once satisfied with the required chassis changes he moved on to evaluating engine mapping settings and suspension parts developed for the new generation of 800cc Honda GP machines. Following his machine development work, the Repsol Honda ace began testing a range of Michelin tyres designed to maximise the performance of the prototype RC212V. A third and final day of testing will take place here at the 5.548km (3.447 miles) circuit tomorrow.
Nicky Hayden
Best lap time: 2m 03.73s 77 laps.
‘We were a little bit faster today which is good but we have a lot of work to do. Me too I have to work harder. We moved the swing-arm both up and down today to check the feedback, looking for better rear grip and a good feeling. We also tried a new shock but that was not really what we were looking for we need something in between. Plus, I tried some changes on the mapping and other electronic settings. I didn’t really give my best today though. My brother Tommy crashed today while testing his US Superbike and, what with running to the phone to check out his condition and testing, the day could have been better. Luckily Tommy’s OK so I go into tomorrow in better shape.’
