The Yamaha Factory Racing Team today completed the first test of the 2012 season at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia. Riders Jorge Lorenzo and Ben Spies spent the three track days working to develop the base set up of the 1000cc YZR-M1 ahead of the second Sepang test in one month’s time. The riders and engineers focused on the balance of the M1 chassis along with improving the electronics package to gain the optimum performance from the increased horsepower. New Bridgestone tyres were also assessed ahead of the upcoming race season. The times from today’s final session saw Lorenzo slot in as the second fastest rider, 0.59 seconds behind Casey Stoner. Team mate Spies wrapped up in fourth position, 0.88 seconds from first. The riders will now return to the USA and Spain respectively whilst the engineers return to Japan with the valuable data to make the next steps forward in development. The team will return in four weeks time to test the work done. Jorge Lorenzo Position : 2nd Time: 2’00.198 Laps: 35 “I’m really, really satisfied, I have improved on my best record here in Sepang. We tried a lot of things; some have been a lot better, especially one major improvement. We also know where we have to improve in the future. The electronics are not perfect yet, we still need to make it smoother but the bike has so much potential we are very optimistic. The Yamaha engineers have worked really hard so they have done a good job. I made my best time today at midday which is the hardest time with the conditions so it was pretty good. Let’s see what we can do when we come back.” Ben Spies Position : 4th Time: 2’00.495 Laps: 16 “It’s been a good test, we’ve got a lot of things accomplished, we’re definitely moving in the right direction with my bike. I tried the Yamaha test rider’s bike today which had a slightly different set up to make a fair comparison with mine. I made a small mistake, losing the front but that’s testing; it can happen when you’re working out the good and bad! All in all it’s been great and I’m really happy and looking forward to coming back and seeing what’s new.” Test Times 1. Casey Stoner (AUS) Repsol Honda Team 1’59.607 2. Jorge Lorenzo (SPA) Yamaha Factory Racing 2’00.198 3. Dani Pedrosa (SPA) Repsol Honda Team 2’00.256 4. Ben Spies (USA) Yamaha Factory Racing 2’00.495 5. Valentino Rossi (ITA) Ducati Team 2’00.824 6. Hector Barbera (SPA) Pramac Racing Team 2’00.929 7. Cal Crutchlow (GBR) Yamaha Tech3 2’01.108 8. Andrea Dovizioso (ITA) Yamaha Tech3 2’01.257 9. Alvaro Bautista (SPA) Honda Gresini 2’01.384 10. Nicky Hayden (USA) Ducati Team 2’01.729 11. Stefan Bradl (GER) LCR Honda 2’01.894 12. Karel Abraham (CZE) Cardion AB Motoracing 2’02.218 13. Katsuyuki Nakasuga (JPN) Yamaha Factory Racing 2’02.334 14. Franco Battaini (ITA) Ducati Team 2’03.033 15. Colin Edwards (USA) NGM Mobile Forward Racing 2’04.722 16. Ivan Silva (SPA) Avintia Racing 2’08.225 17. Robertino Pietri (VEN) Avintia Racing 2’09.640 18. Jordi Torres (SPA) Avintia Racing 2’10.184 Sepang Record Lap C.Stoner (Ducati) 2007, 2’02.108 Sepang Best Lap V.Rossi (Yamaha) 2009, 2’00.518 More, from a press release issued by Repsol Honda: Stoner laps under 2min on final day at Sepang 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. CASEY STONER 1st 1’59.607 “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!”. DANI PEDROSA 3rd 2’00.256 “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 wor king hard physically to prepare for the second test”. More, from a press release issued by LCR Honda: BRADL ENDS 11th HIS FIRST OUTING RIDING THE LCR RCV Sepang, 2 Feb: ultimate day of testing on Sepang surface for MotoGP teams and riders that put their new 1000cc prototypes through their paces at the 5.548km track with Stoner topping the field with a best lap time of 1’59.607. The LCR Honda MotoGP rider Stefan Bradl set out a clear programme for the final day continuing to gather confidence on the RC231V. LCR squad and the 22-year-old put more miles on the Honda machinery completing 38 laps recording a best lap time of 2’01.894. The MotoGP paddock will be back at work at the end of the month for another 3-day testing session on the Malaysian surface in preparation for the forthcoming season. Stefan 2’01.894: “Considering the 3-day overall work I feel quite satisfied about my first performance aboard this new bike. Everyday we made some little adjustments to help my riding style and I feel more comfortable now. We gathered important data for next test session here at the end of the month and I am sure there’s still more to come. There’s a lot of work to do but in general I had a positive first experience. Of course I want to thank Lucio, the guys and HRC technicians for their support during this three days”. More, from a press release issued by Gresini Honda: POSITIVE CONCLUSION TO SEPANG TEST FOR BAUTISTA It has been a positive first shakedown with the Honda RC213V for Team San Carlo Honda Gresini and their new rider Alvaro Bautista at Sepang. Over the three days his feeling with the 1000cc machine has gradually improved and now both the team and rider are extremely confident about the next session, which takes place at the same circuit at the end of this month. Bautista completed 34 on the third and final day of this test, stopping the clock at 2′ 01″ 384 before a heavy tropical shower brought the session to a premature end. Alvaro Bautista (2′ 01″ 384 34 laps) “The first test is over and we come away with a positive feeling. I took another step forward today, improving my rhythm more than anything, and overall we have done a good job and established a good feel for the RC213V. Now we have a little time before the next test here at Sepang to process the information we have gathered here over the last three days. We need to get everything right for the next visit to Malaysia but I am happy, satisfied and confident about the future. The relationship with the team and with Honda is great and this will help us achieve results. I have to say the most impressive thing about the RC213V is the electronics, which delivers the power in such a linear and progressive way that you can really make the most of the 1000cc.” More, from a press release issued by Marlboro Ducati: Ducati Team completes first winter test at Sepang The first winter MotoGP test finished today at Sepang International Circuit with a day that was affected by rather variable weather conditions, with intense heat in the middle of the day and a shower that cut short the planned work schedule at 5:25 p.m. Nicky Hayden had already finished riding around noon after having tried riding with heavy taping on his painful left shoulder. Still lacking the necessary strength to push hard, he and the team agreed it was best to finish early. As for Valentino Rossi, he continued until the rain arrived, finishing the session with the fifth-best time. Valentino Rossi (Ducati Team) 5th, 2:00.824 (42 laps) “We on the team are all happy with how this test has gone, especially today. With a 2:00.8, we’re starting to get to a decent time. The two Hondas and the two Yamahas are still ahead of us, but we consider this test to be a starting point. The most positive things we’ve achieved are that the front now lets me ride a little more as I’m able, that the bike reacts well to changes and that we have very clear ideas on what’s still missing. In particular, if we manage to improve the bike’s behaviour on acceleration, we’ll be able to take a consistent step forward. I know that the work has never stopped at Ducati, and now with the information we’ve gathered, they’ll keep working on the areas that we’ve identified. That might take a while, but there’s still some time before the first race. We have to keep improving, so we’re not getting too excited, but I’m pleased with how things have gone so far.” Nicky Hayden (Ducati Team) 10th, 2:01.729 (19 laps) “Obviously, I’d like to have done more. I can’t really say it was a real test for me, but I did a few laps each morning in order to at least get a feel for the new bike, get a little data and understand a couple of things. Even in that limited time, I was able to make small improvements and go quicker each day. Ducati did an amazing job with this bike in a short amount of time. It’s smoother than any other Ducati I’ve ever ridden, it looks slick and it’s good to work on. It’s got good power, and the front end is working well, but with the extra power, now we’ve got to find better rear traction at the first touch of the throttle. With the few adjustments we’ve made, everything seems to be going in a good way, so now I just need to get healthy.” More, from a press release issued by Monster Yamaha Tech 3: Positive start to 2012 for Crutchlow and Dovizioso The Monster Yamaha Tech3 Team made a positive start to preparations for the 2012 MotoGP World Championship after a three-day test session at the Sepang International Circuit, which reached a successful conclusion today. British rider Cal Crutchlow wasted no time in getting back up to speed to clock the third fastest time on the opening day and he was one of the outstanding performers for the duration of the test. Making only his second appearance on Yamaha’s 1000cc machine, Crutchlow worked through a range of set-up options to improve his speed and confidence with the all-new YZR-M1. He walked away unhurt from a small front-end crash at Turn 13 on the final morning and he eventually finished with a quickest time of 2.01.108. Andrea Dovizioso demonstrated his determination to quickly get to grips with the YZR-M1, with the Italian rider giving his absolute maximum effort just three weeks after he broke his right collarbone in a motocross training accident. The intense heat and humidity always makes riding at the Sepang International Circuit a tough physical examination, but Dovizioso also had to contend with the pain and discomfort from his recovering right collarbone to complete 102 crucial development laps on board the YZR-M1. He set a best time of 2.01.257 to finish just behind Crutchlow on the leaderboard. The Monster Yamaha Tech3 Team continues its pre- season testing campaign back at the Sepang International Circuit for another three-day test, which commences on February 28. Cal Crutchlow – 2.01.108: “I am really pleased with the way things have gone at this test and it has been a really good confidence boost to start 2012. Sepang is a track I just don’t get on with or enjoy riding at but I was third on the first day and fifth on the second day. I’m sure I could have been fifth on the final day too but a couple of things didn’t go my way. I had a crash early on at Turn 13 when I basically ran wide and got on the dirty part of the track. It was my fault and that cost me a fair bit of track time and when I was confident I could go a lot quicker at the end it started raining. The pleasing aspect is my times have been consistent and that bodes well for the future. I’m not as fast as Stone r, Spies, Pedrosa or Lorenzo but for consistency I’m the best of the rest. The new 1000cc YZR-M1 has kept the strong points of the 800 with good corner entry and turning. But we do need to look at improving the bike on corner exit. Being in the top five on the first two days and not far away on the final day is a great start but I’m not going to get carried away. This is only the first test and while testing is really important, it is what happens in Qatar on April 8 that is really important.” Andrea Dovizioso 2.01.257: “I am really happy just to have been able to come to this test and ride because beforehand a lot of people said it would be impossible. The collarbone was very badly broken but this test is very important and I want to thank everybody that helped me in my recuperation in Italy that made it possib le for me to ride. You can do a lot of good work here even if it is very bad for my body, but I am happy because I could ride on each day and my feeling with the Yamaha is coming much better than the first time I tried the bike in Valencia. I understood much more about this bike here and what I realise is that I have to change my style more. There is a big difference in the characteristic of the Yamaha and the Honda I rode for the last four years, so I have to learn to use the good points of the M1 more. But it was not so easy riding in my physical condition. Braking for the right-hand corners was hard but changing direction was an issue because I don’t have 100% strength. I am looking forward to the next test now where I will be a lot closer to being 100% fit.” More, from a press release issued by Bridgestone: Bridgestone wraps up a successful first round of testing First Sepang Test 31 January 2 February 2012 The first round of MotoGP testing for the 2012 season has been completed following the end of the first Sepang test with Bridgestone undertaking extensive assessment of its 2012 specification tyres. Repsol Honda’s Casey Stoner was the fastest rider in Sepang, with his time of 1:59.606 a second faster than the best time from the corresponding test in 2011 proving that the combination of the new 1000cc machines and 2012 specification Bridgestone tyres is working well. Yamaha’s Jorge Lorenzo was overall second fastest ahead of Stoner’s stablemate Dani Pedrosa, the pair setting times of 2:00.198 and 2:00.256 respectively. Bridgestone’s focus in Sepang was evaluation of both the 2012 spec tyres and the specially developed experimental front tyre, with the data acquired to be incorporated into Bridgestone’s ongoing MotoGP tyre development programme. With track temperatures regularly soaring above 50°C, Sepang presented an opportunity to test the tyres for the upcoming MotoGP season in a vastly different environment from last November’s official group test in Valencia. Despite the different conditions, riders were happy with the feeling and warm-up characteristics the 2012 specification tyres delivered. With the main technical aims for this year being improved warm-up performance and enhanced rider feel, the feedback on the tyres Bridgestone supplied to the private CRT test at Valencia (30-31 January) was also positive. The wider operating temperature range engineered into these tyres ensured optimum grip levels were achieved in quicker time, even though track temperatures in Spain did not exceed 17°C. Bridgestone’s consultation with Loris Capirossi also continued at Sepang, with a working plan for 2012 put in place to ensure an ongoing focus on rider safety. The regular liaison with Dorna’s new Safety Advisor was valuable in developing a clearer picture of the overall rider opinion of the current crop of tyres. Bridgestone now looks ahead to the next round of MotoGP tests and will supply tyres and technical engineers for both the private CRT test at Jerez on February 20-22 and the second Sepang test, from February 28-March 1. Tohru Ubukata – General Manager, Bridgestone Motorsport Tyre Development Department “Our objective for the Sepang test was to evaluate how the 2012 specification tyres performed in the hottest temperatures possible, and in this respect we are very pleased with the feedback we received from riders in Malaysia. “Our meetings with Dorna Safety Advisor Loris Capirossi were very productive and his experience with Bridgestone tyres and relationship with the riders are valuable in understanding the relationship between rider, bike and tyre. The presence of a Safety Advisor in MotoGP is a welcome addition and we will continue our collaboration with Loris throughout the year. “The technical data and rider feedback we gathered during testing is of great importance to our MotoGP tyre development programme and I want to thank all the teams and riders for giving their valuable time in helping us achieve our objectives.” Loris Capirossi Safety Advisor to Dorna “I am very happy to resume my collaboration with Bridgestone and look forward to working together throughout the season. Personally, I feel this was a very positive test and another step in the right direction after our last meeting in Valencia. “In my discussions with riders, the general feeling is that the 2012 specification tyres are very good and they are happy with the feeling they offer. Also, the experimental front tyre helped give the riders an understanding of Bridgestone’s development direction.” Bridgestone slick compounds available: · Sepang Front: Hard & Extra-Hard; Rear: Medium & Hard · Valencia Front: Soft & Medium; Rear: Medium & Hard (asymmetric) More, from a press release issued by Honda: MotoGP Test Sepang Day 3 MotoGP Test Sepang, Malaysia Day three of three-day test. February 2, 2012 Weather: Hot and sunny Track temperature: 42 degrees Ambient temperature: 35 degrees HONDAS DOMINATE OPENING TEST OF 2012 Repsol Honda riders Casey Stoner and Dani Pedrosa finished first and third after three days of testing on the sweltering Sepang Circuit, validating the off-season development of the Honda RC213V that they’ll take into battle when the 2012 MotoGP World Championship begins in Qatar in April. The newest Honda riders, Alvaro Bautista (San Carlo Honda Gresini RC213V) and Stefan Bradl (LCR Honda RC213V) both improved their times on the final day of the test and gathered valuable data for when they return at the end of the month. Stoner, the 2011 MotoGP World Champion, finished this test with the fastest ever lap by a motorcycle around the 5.548km circuit. On the second of 21 laps, the 26-year-old Australian lapped in 1m, 59.607s, lowering the mark of 1m, 59.665s that he’d set a little less than a year earlier at the second Sepang test of the 2011 winter season. Stoner was the only rider to lap under two minutes and finished the test with a margin of .591s on the second fastest rider, Jorge Lorenzo (Yamaha). The time might have been even lower had he not continued to suffer soreness in his back, which compromised the strength in his right arm as he tried to compensate. Now Stoner returns to his home in Verbier, Switzerland to be with his wife Adriana as they await the birth of their first child. The child is expected to arrive between this test and the next three-day Sepang test which begins on Feb. 28. Like Stoner, Pedrosa took advantage of the slightly cooler morning temperatures to set his fast lap early. His best of 2m, 0.256s was run on the third of 26 laps and was only .058s off the time set by Lorenzo. More importantly was that Pedrosa improved his time by 1.252s from Wednesday and by nearly two seconds from the start of the test. Having run 109 laps over the three days in searing heat, Pedrosa admitted that the testing had left him exhausted but happy. Still, there’s work to be done when the teams return to Malaysia later this month. There is a need to improve braking stability, as well as the electronics to manage the newfound power of the 1000cc machines. Handling all that power is what Pedrosa found taxing, but the Spaniard said he would increase his training regimen to be ready for the second test. San Carlo Honda Gresini rider Bautista improved his lap time by nearly 1.5s over the course of the test, finishing with the ninth fastest time to Stoner, who was in a league of his own. Bautista was just over a second behind the second fastest rider and about half a second from a top five position. What most impressed the Spaniard was the electronics and engine management, which allowed him to make the most of the brute power of the RC213V. Bradl continued to improve day by day, even though he maintained the same 11th place position in his first extended MotoGP test. The 2011 Moto2 World Champion gained experience with each of his 107 laps over three days. Today he tried a different geometry by changing the offset, and also shortened the swingarm; the whole bike got shorter, he said. They also sorted out the electronics, fine tuning the wheelie and traction control. The team worked so efficiently that they were able to finish their program by 2:00 p.m. What they didn’t do was a long run-it wasn’t in the plan-but they will when they return for the second test. From the beginning to the end of the test, Bradl lowered his lap time by 1.774s, finishing with a best of 2m, 1.894s. HONDA MotoGP RIDER QUOTES Casey Stoner (Repsol Honda RC213V): 1st, 1m, 59.607s “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!” Dani Pedrosa (Repsol Honda RC213V): 3rd, 2m, 0.256s “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.” Alvaro Bautista (San Carlo Honda Gresini RC213V): 9th, 2m, 1.384s “I finished the first test and my evaluation of these three days I think is positive. Even today I made another step forward especially in the rhythm. We have worked very well and the first contact with the RC213V has been particularly good. Now, before the next test later this month ever here at Sepang, I have a little ‘time to reflect and think about all the wealth of knowledge acquired in these three days. We must put them all in the right place and be ready for the next three days of testing in Malaysia. I’m happy, satisfied and very confident for the future. The synergies with the guys and Honda are wonderful and this will enable us to achieve positive results. Lastly, I have to say that the thing that most impressed me the RC213V is definitely the electronics and its management that allows you to drive linearly and progressively ease with the incredible power of 1000. ” Stefan Bradl (Team LCR Honda RC213V): 11th, 2m, 1.894s “Considering the three-day overall work I feel quite satisfied about my first performance aboard this new bike. Everyday we made some little adjustments to help my riding style and I feel more comfortable now. We gathered important data for the next test session here at the end of the month and I am sure there’s still more to come. There’s a lot of work to do, but in general I had a positive first experience. Of course I want to thank Lucio (Cecchinello), the guys and HRC technicians for their support during these three days.” More, from a press release issued by Dorna Communications: he third and final day of the Official MotoGP™ Test concluded on Thursday at Sepang, with Casey Stoner breaking under the 2 minute mark on just his second lap out to dominate the field by over half a second. The first on-track MotoGP action of the year concluded on Thursday at the Sepang International Circuit, with the new 1000cc machines noticeably quicker than the 800s of last year as the top four paced under the circuit’s best lap set by Valentino Rossi in 2009. Casey Stoner was half a second clear of the rest of the field on his Repsol Honda RC213V, with Jorge Lorenzo and Dani Pedrosa his closest challengers the first part of the day, though an afternoon rain storm halted any attempts to catch up with the World Champion and all lap times from the morning remained unchanged. Stoner was the pace man laying down a time of 1’59.607 on just his second lap of the day, over a second quicker than his best lap from yesterday. He and team-mate Dani Pedrosa focused on testing suspension settings and a new clutch, with the Spaniard setting the 3rd fastest lap of the day with 2’00.256, an improvement of 1.252 from Wednesday. Factory Yamaha riders Lorenzo and Ben Spies successfully found base set ups for their YZR-M1s, focusing on chassis balance and electronics to manage the increased horsepower of the 1000cc bikes. Lorenzo’s best effort was 0.591s behind the top time of Stoner, with Spies landing fourth and 0.888s from first before ending the day early following a minor crash on one of the Yamaha test bikes. The Test concluded on a high note for the Ducati Team with Valentino Rossi moving up two spots in the ranks to fifth fastest, bettering his time by over a second from yesterday and happy with the changes to the front end of the GP12 thus far, as confirmed by Ducati Corse General Manager Fillipo Preziosi, who stated: “This test was mainly focused on understanding if this bike is better in the front and I can say that it is.” Nicky Hayden was only able to complete a couple of laps in the afternoon due to weakness in his injured shoulder hindering his ability to hold onto the 1000cc bike with any corner exit headshake. The American confirmed that he will ride at the Jerez Test along with the CRT prototypes before the second Official Test at Sepang later this month. The Pramac Racing Team wrapped up a successful Test with rider Héctor Barberá, who bettered his time from yesterday by eight tenths, breaking into the 2 minute mark with a best lap of 2’00.929 as he worked on testing new Bridgestone tire compounds. The Spaniard was two tenths ahead of British Cal Crutchlow (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) who had a minor crash just after 11am that set his thus far rapid progress back slightly. Italian Andrea Dovizioso wrapped up his second successful test aboard the 2012 Yamaha M1 ranking jut behind team-mate Crutchlow with a best lap of 2’01.257. Álvaro Bautista was satisfied with the three day test, and today quickened his pace on the Honda of the Gresini Team by sixth tenths, while newcomer Stefan Bradl put in another solid day’s work on the LCR Team Honda and the Moto2 Champion concluded his third day of testing with the 11th fastest time (2’01.894) while trying out tires as well as making one more back to back chassis comparison in the morning. Karel Abraham (Cardion AB Motoracing) put in the 12th quickest time while testing tires on his GP12, while NGM Mobile Forward Racing’s Colin Edwards worked on diagnosing chatter issues.The Texan’s time of 2’04.722 put him 15th, while Avintia Racing’s Iván Silva and replacement rider Jordi Torres completed the times after recovering from their engine problems of the day before. More, from a press release issued by Avintia Racing: THE AVINTIA RACING TEAM COMPLETES THE FIRST TEST AT SEPANG ON A POSITIVE NOTE AFTER DAYS OF HARD WORK The last few days were not a piece of cake for the members of the Avintia Racing team at the pre-season training sessions of the first Official MotoGP Test in Sepang. The expected issues related to the newness of the motorbike slightly restricted the number of tests that the team – that had turned up with three riders – had planned to take. In spite of it the Aventia Racing managed to work in the right direction in order to meet their objectives before the beginning of the season. The propellant was the major source of issues and conditioned the team’s schedule to such a great extent that it was virtually impossible to ride throughout the second day. Fortunately after a lot of work the team could complete their schedule for the third day but it was the rain this time which prevented the team from using up the alloted training time. Overall the Avintia Racing team found these days positive as they proved to be useful in order to spot issues and solve them before the season begins at GP of Qatar. Raúl Romero (Team Manager MotoGP): ” These were difficult yet positive days. We experienced a lot of issues but now is the right time to have them so we can solve them before the beginning of the championship. We are happy with the way the bike has been going although the engine break-down has caused us to waste a lot of time. On the second day we used it to repair the propellant and try to solve the issue. Thanks to the effort and the work of the technicians we were able to ride nearly normally on the final day. It was a provisional solution so we could actually take it to the track but we will definitively solve this issue back home. It must be taken into account that whereas the factories do their winter job with “closed doors”, we and the CRT work in direct contact with the public and in less time. We ought to be a little patient. In spite of the issues we are satisfied with this test and very motivated to work on and on to prepare for the championship.” Iván Silva: “Training here was very positive although the engine issues have considerably hindered us. On the last day we managed to ride quite a lot but always taking extra care with the propellant. This has caused the times not to be as good as I do believe they could have been. In spite of it all we noticed many postive things and others we have plenty of margin on. We worked at the cycle level and we managed to improve the way we tackle the turns and the rebounds of the front wheel assembly. The rain eventually prevented us from moving forward but it was a very fruitful day anyway.” Robertino Pietri: ” These were very interesting days. It was more or less possible to ride – depending on the day – and we have come to important conclusions for the future. I only completed a few laps but they were quality ones. The bike is going all right and it actually reacts to the changes we have brought and this is particularly important. I had not ridden since the GP of Valencia and however I found myself at ease on the motorbike straightaway. It is “easy-going” and very nice to ride. I am very motivated for the next training practices.” Jordi Torres: ” I did not ride much on the first day but I was able to get a rough idea of how the motorbike was going and how everything worked. We gradually started to introduce a few changes but we have always been careful and trying to “understand” the motorbike. As you know we experienced an engine issue on the second day and we were hardly any able to ride even if we were able to take it to the track round about the end of the test and check that everything was working fine. For the final practice we drew up a work plan that we were able to stick to and hence we knew which way to go. The rain reduced the time on the track but it was a positive day. We will be much more competitive for the next test, I am sure of it.”