The first test of the 2011 season in Sepang, Malaysia came to an end today, with all 3 Repsol Honda riders very happy with their results.
Stoner - who finished 2nd for the day with a time of 2.00.811 and just six hundredths off Marco Simoncelli, spent the final day making further comparisons between two different 2011 option chassis. He remained unharmed after a minor accident in turn twelve - losing the front end after touching the white line. After lunch he tested some new traction control software which helped improve corner speed. He ended the day assessing new Bridgestone tyres. This was a positive first outing for the newcomer to the Repsol Honda Team, learning valuable information about the RC212V.
Andrea Dovizioso continued to test the geometry on his 2011 bike to better understand the feeling in the front. He also worked on the traction control and clutch set-up. Using the softer tyre, the Italian rider set his fastest lap time of the day on his 11th of 51 laps completed. In the afternoon, he tested two different new rear tyres.
Dani Pedrosa heads home with his homework almost done and very happy with how his left arm has responded to the first official test of the pre-season. The Spanish rider, who scored the 2nd best overall time at Sepang, has determined which direction to take regarding suspension after testing different swingarm and shocks. He just needs a little more time to define the settings for chassis and motor when he returns to Malaysia from 22nd of February for three more days of testing. At the end of the day today, Pedrosa made a long run of 12 laps - clarifying that the arm is no longer an issue.
Unfortunately, HRC Test Rider Kousuke Akiyoshi, who had been enjoying a good test in Sepang fell victim in the morning. He was not as fortunate to avoid injury and it was later confirmed he had suffered a fracture in his left arm.
CASEY STONER – 2nd - 2.00.811
“Today was definitely the best day, despite the crash. In general we made some nice steps forwards, alternating between the different chassis, trying to get a good feeling for them. We managed to make the bike work a lot better with used tyres and a different traction control system that catches the tyres a little quicker when they start to spin - which assisted with our corner speed. I’m really pleased with what I’ve found in this test, in fact it’s a little better than what I expected. I’m happy with the overall package, just to be able to focus with such a good base set-up has been really important for us”.
ANDREA DOVIZIOSO – 4th - 2.00.945
“This morning we tried a different bike set up and we improved in the middle of the corner. We worked on some electronics, in particular on the traction control and we found some good solutions. We also tested a different set up of the clutch, but unfortunately the feedback was not as we expected. This morning the track conditions were very good, so I used the soft tyre and I could lap in 2.00. It was the first time that I set 2.00 on this track so I’m very happy. I’m satisfied about the work done by HRC, myself and the team during these three days of testing. We start from a very good package. All Hondas are very competitive with many strong riders. We are aware that what we have done is not enough and that we need to continue working. I’m happy also of the training programme done during the winter because physically I managed this first test of the year well”.
DANI PEDROSA – 6th - 2.01.241
“I am very very happy about how the test went in general. The best news we could have is that recovery of the arm has been effective and cramps have disappeared and the lack of power which had me so worried. This afternoon we did a long run of 12 laps and we have done well. As for the work on the bike, I am also satisfied. We tried many things, step by step, and we leave Malaysia with clear ideas regarding suspensions and some more thing to confirm about chassis and engine when we come back here. I have concentrated more on the 2010 machine and the second test we will have more time to test this year’s bike. Ohlins also will bring some new parts that can still improve the package. For me the most important step we have given is in terms of stability on braking, which was one of the things we wanted”.
SHUHEI NAKAMOTO - HRC VICE PRESIDENT
“It has been a positive test session especially comparing with last seasons, when at the first test we were not at this level. We are please with the result of all our riders and the fact the all of them are fast means we are in the right direction. Anyway, we know how strong our competitors are, therefore we can’t stop working. We received very interesting feedback from all our riders and we will try to improve some areas of our machine before the start of the season. All riders give similar indication about strong and weak points, and our goal is to give them a machine that can be a good base. Then they will be able to “customise” it to their needs - just with different set up depending on their riding style”.
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