Bad weather and cold temperatures prevent Repsol rider’s first laps with a MotoGP machine and deny Pedrosa the chance to begin 2013 preparations. Similar conditions are forecast for tomorrow.
After a long wait for the reigning Moto2 World Champion’s debut with the Repsol Honda Team, bad weather prolonged the test of patience today in Valencia. Marc Márquez, who spent yesterday in the box with his new crew preparing for today, was unable to go out due to the conditions, but has familiarised himself with the bike at a standstill. Adjusting the controls, learning the dimensions of the bike and taking in the information about the new electronics, the Spaniard did not waste the day. If the weather allows, he will put it into practice tomorrow with a MotoGP machine.
The wait for the new Repsol Honda Team rider generated great excitement amongst the media present in Valencia. Once his team had opened the garage door and Marc had sat on his bike, scores of journalists, cameramen and photographers flocked to the front to get the picture of the day.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the Repsol Honda Team garage, Dani Pedrosa did not even pull on his leathers. He was aware that today it was not going to be possible to go out on track to begin preparing the 2013 season. Tomorrow sees the second and final day of testing at the Ricardo Tormo track.
The Repsol Honda Team is preparing a new livery and leathers design for 2013, which will be unveiled at the start of next year. After a succession of seasons using basically the same image with only minor tweaks, 2013 promises a major shift in bike and rider decoration. The revamp has been carried out by a great designer, well known for his work.
Dani Pedrosa
MotoGP rider
“Unfortunately the weather has been pretty bad all weekend and continued today. Let’s hope it will brighten up tomorrow and at least stay dry so that we can test the new 2013 prototype machine.”
Marc Márquez >> Audio
MotoGP rider
“I have this fantastic bike here but unfortunately the weather isn’t very good! It’s better to be patient and wait as it’s important to test the bike in the best conditions possible. I spent some time with the team this morning and I learnt many things but I still have a lot to learn. I know the power will be very different and also the electronic controls, also the carbon brakes and tyres will be something I need to adapt to, but step by step we will learn. I’m really excited to get started but we we agree that it’s best to test the bike in the dry for the first time, I just hope the weather will improve tomorrow!”
