Sepang MotoGP test times – final day

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 tires. 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 tire, 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 tires.

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 swing arm 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.