The opening test of 2012 concluded today with the Repsol Honda Team riders first and third fastest, respectively
The MotoGP riders’ first action of 2012, a three-day test at Malaysia’s Sepang Circuit came to an end today.The two Repsol Honda Team riders leave the test confident after a positive trio of days. Reigning World Champion, Casey Stoner, clocked the fastest time and was the only rider to go around in under 2’00 over the course of the test. He had missed the first day with a back complaint. Teammate Dani Pedrosa was third quickest and was satisfied with the work carried out in Malaysia.
On only his second lap of the day, Casey Stoner recorded a blistering fast lap of 1’59.607 which remained unbeaten for the rest of the day. The Australian rider spent this final day of testing to work on various aspects on his RC213V machine including shock settings and the new Bridgestone tyres.
Repsol Honda team mate Dani Pedrosa took the 3rd fastest lap of the day with 2’00.256. Dani concentrated on braking and also the electronics management system.
This has been a productive first test for the Repsol Honda Team. HRC engineers will now return to Japan with feedback from both riders and the team will return to Sepang for the second test on February 28th.
Dani Pedrosa >> Audio
3rd at 0.649 sec. 24 laps, 133 km.
“Three days testing here in Malaysia is very tiring. This morning when I woke up I was pretty sore and stiff, but once I got running I was a little bit better. Anyway, it’s been worth it to do a general test of the engine, chassis and tyres and overall it is the biggest test we have done on this bike and we have good data to analyse and can start to build up points we need for the second test. As I said yesterday, the biggest point to improve is on braking, and we are also working on the electronics to improve the management of the power and the grip level. The chatter is still there, I know it’s something very difficult to fix, but I’m sure Honda is working hard on it. In general, it’s been a positive test for us and we will come back here in three weeks with new ideas. This bike is physically more demanding, you feel the power in the acceleration, the speed under hard braking and also the extra weight, but it’s alright. I will keep working hard physically to prepare for the second test”.
Casey Stoner >> Audio
1st – 1:59.607, 18 laps, 100 km.
“It’s been a good test in general, we only managed two out of the three days unfortunately but the weather has been really good to us and we’ve been able to do what we planned. The day I missed hasn’t affected us too much and we’ve managed to complete our testing programme, to be honest I think track conditions on the first day weren’t that great anyway as the lap times were not so fast. I’m still not feeling great with my back but the bike is ok, so we’ve made progress in reducing the chatter a little more and trying a few different things, some small settings on the shock that we haven’t tried before amongst other points. So far it’s been pretty positive, we’ll just have to wait and see what we have for the next test and hopefully improve a little more. Now I’m looking forward to getting home to Switzerland to see Adriana and await the arrival of our baby!”.
