Repsol riders Shuhei Aoyama and Julito Simón continue with their work in the 250cc class.
Repsol Hondas Dani Pedrosa was one of only two riders to dip inside the 1m 40s bracket at Jerez today as the final MotoGP test of the year continued in sunshine. The Spaniard set consistently quick lap-times as he worked with his crew on further developing the prototype Honda RC212V hell race in the 2007 season.Working through a full programme of engine, chassis, suspension and tyre testing today, Pedrosa steadily improved his pace, completing 67 laps and finishing the day with an impressive lap-time of 1m 40.799s.
This is nearly half a second quicker than his best lap during the opening MotoGP race of the season at this track on March 26, and just two tenths shy of the race lap record.HRC test rider Tady Okada also completed 59 laps carrying out further testing work on the RC212V.
The Repsol Honda Team will complete a final days testing tomorrow before the winter test ban takes effect from December 1 until January 20.Julito Simón and Shuhei Aoyama have also made good use of the good weather to cover a large number of laps and work on their respective bikes. Simón is still immersed in his adaptation process to the new class.
The results of today have been with no doubt much more positive than yesterday thanks to the excellent weather conditions.
Dani Pedrosa
Best lap time: 1m 40.799s 67 laps
‘We had a good days testing and Im pleased with how things went today. We tried many chassis and suspension adjustments on the bike, finding the combinations that worked best with the Michelin tyres we tested. My lap-times were quite good and I went faster than in the race at the beginning of the season, but you cant read too much into this because November is good time for going fast at Jerez. Were hoping it stays dry for tomorrow so we can continue this progress.’
Shuhei Aoyama
‘Things have been better than yesterday. Ive managed to do some 70 laps. We’ve been testing a new chassis and some tyres, and Im happy with the result. Lets hope that the weather stays good for tomorrow to let us continue with our work.’
Julito Simón
‘Weve been able to evolve a bit more today. We have tested some tyres and the behaviour of the bike. I insisted a lot in changing my riding style following the lines and I almost made it so Ive felt much more comfortable on the bike. My times today have been almost three seconds faster than yesterday, which is not bad, although we have to insist and keep on evolving. Im very happy with the mechanics, everybody is treating me so well. Alberto (Puig) is also showing me a lot of things. We still have one more day tomorrow and well have to make the best use of it.’
Unofficial lap times:
- Valentino Rossi Camel Yamaha 1m 40.688s 82 laps
- Dani Pedrosa Repsol Honda 1m 40.799s 61
- Colin Edwards Camel Yamaha 1m 41.186s 48
- John Hopkins Rizla Suzuki 1m 41.205 60
- Chris Vermeulen Rizla Suzuki 1m 41.619s 56
- Casey Stoner Ducati Marlboro 1m 41.702s 43
- Loris Capirossi Ducati Marlboro 1m 42.244s 27
- Marco Melandri Gresini Honda 1m 42.469s 45
- Shinya Nakano Konica Minolta Honda 1m 42.528s 63
- Alex Barros DAntin Ducati 1m 43.182s 63
- Tady Okada Repsol Honda Team 1m 43.316s 59
- Vittorio Guareschi Ducati Marlboro 1m 44.449s 49
- Jeremy McWilliams Ilmor SRT 1m 45.265s 27
- Andrew Pitt Ilmor SRT 1m 47.110s 35
