Red Bull Yamaha WCM started a three-day test Monday, December 3 at Sepang, Malaysia to decide what tire brand to run in 2002.

Team riders Garry McCoy and 18-year-old American John Hopkins tested Dunlops on their Yamaha YZR500s Monday at the 3.4-mile track. Red Bull Yamaha has used Michelin tires in recent seasons, but the team is currently evaluating competing brands before deciding what to run in the 2002 MotoGP World Championships.

Red Bull Yamaha Racing Director Peter Clifford told reporters that the team is only testing tires at Sepang.

Michelin has had a virtual monopoly in 500cc GP in recent years, leading the Red Bull Yamaha team to worry about its position in the team pecking order with Michelin.

For 2002, both Dunlop and Bridgestone will return to the premier class in the MotoGP paddock.