Moto GP Sepang Test

[Rcktfsh]

The first on-track MotoGP activity of the year concluded in Malaysia on Friday, with Fiat Yamaha’s Valentino Rossi the fastest of the premier class riders for the second consecutive day.

The weather played a part throughout the day with conditions wet at the scheduled start of 9am local time, and for a period between 11am and 12pm there was little activity on track. Afternoon sunshine improved the situation after 1pm, when both Rossi and Ducati Marlboro rider Casey Stoner appeared.

Shaving 0.486s off his previous day’s best time, Rossi’s 2’00.925 on the 20th of 32 laps on his factory YZR-M1 prototype was the only lap under the 2’01” mark, as he left a gap of 0.395s to Stoner. The Australian’s 2’01.320 was over half a second quicker than his time set on Thursday as he continued to feel the benefit of the Ducati Desmosedici GP10, which he says is very well balanced.

Rossi’s team-mate and rival Jorge Lorenzo was the third quickest on Friday at 0.755s behind the Italian’s pace with a best of 2’01.680. The Spaniard was pleased with the general direction of the developments on his bike, and his fastest time was a marked improvement as he produced 60 laps, the most of any of the 17 riders on Friday.

Dani Pedrosa knocked over a full second off his time as he made real progress on the RC212V. The Repsol Honda rider carried on working on Öhlins suspension, and was happy with the weight distribution as he recorded the fourth fastest lap of the day at 2’01.822.

Appearing to have recovered from the jetlag that made day one tough, Monster Yamaha Tech 3’s Ben Spies was fifth on the sheet as he clocked in at 2’02.266 on Friday. The American achieved well over the half-second improvement he targeted following his first day, taking 0.876s off as he continued his acclimatisation to the M1.

Pedrosa’s team-mate Andrea Dovizioso’s work on his RC212V produced the sixth fastest time, as the Italian’s adaptation to new electronics allowed a lap of 2’02.272, whilst Colin Edwards (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) was 0.207s further down the timesheet after his positive reaction to the throttle on the new M1.

On their respective GP10 bikes Ducati Marlboro rider Nicky Hayden (2’02.493) and Pramac Racing’s Aleix Espargaró (2’02.647) both displayed progress, whilst Loris Capirossi of the Rizla Suzuki team was pleased with the three different types of chassis he tried out, registering at 2’02.763 after 48 laps.

The first rider out on track was Marco Melandri (San Carlo Honda Gresini) at 9.30am local time as he completed 55 laps and was 11th fastest, with Héctor Barberá (Team Aspar), Randy de Puniet (LCR Honda) and Hiroshi Aoyama (Interwetten Honda MotoGP) following.

Marco Simoncelli experienced a highside on his RC212V around midday, but re-emerged by 3pm to continue uninjured. The San Carlo Honda Gresini man was 15th on the timesheet, with fellow rookie Álvaro Bautista (Rizla Suzuki) and Mika Kallio (Pramac Racing) both within two tenths of a second of the Italian’s best lap of 2’03.245.

During the test, MSMA representatives met at the Sepang International Circuit to discuss the future engine rules for the MotoGP class.

Back in December, following talks between MotoGP’s governing body the FIM, series rights holder Dorna Sports and the MSMA, the Grand Prix Commission agreed to change the maximum engine capacity of the MotoGP class to 1000cc for the 2012 season.

Dorna Sports CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta indicated the projected changes were received favourably, and that another meeting to be held later this month in Barcelona should allow the opportunity for further definition of the new technical rules for the premier class

[Rcktfsh]

Overall times from the two day test:

Pos Rider Bike Time Diff Previous Day
1 Valentino Rossi Yamaha 2'00.925 0.000 0.000 Friday
2 Casey Stoner Ducati 2'01.320 0.395 0.395 Friday
3 Jorge Lorenzo Yamaha 2'01.680 0.755 0.360 Friday
4 Dani Pedrosa Honda 2'01.822 0.897 0.142 Friday
5 Colin Edwards Yamaha 2'01.932 1.007 0.110 Thursday
6 Loris Capirossi Suzuki 2'02.102 1.177 0.170 Thursday
7 Ben Spies Yamaha 2'02.266 1.341 0.164 Friday
8 Andrea Dovizioso Honda 2'02.272 1.347 0.006 Friday
9 Nicky Hayden Ducati 2'02.493 1.568 0.221 Friday
10 Aleix Espargaro Ducati 2'02.647 1.722 0.154 Friday
11 Marco Melandri Honda 2'02.810 1.885 0.163 Friday
12 Mika Kallio Ducati 2'02.987 2.062 0.177 Thursday
13 Hector Barbera Ducati 2'03.032 2.107 0.045 Friday
14 Randy de Puniet Honda 2'03.043 2.118 0.011 Friday
15 Hiroshi Aoyama Honda 2'03.195 2.270 0.152 Friday
16 Marco Simoncelli Honda 2'03.245 2.320 0.050 Friday
17 Alvaro Bautista Suzuki 2'03.274 2.349 0.029 Friday
18 Yamaha Test Rider Yamaha 2'05.732 4.807 2.458 Thursday
19 Yamaha Test Rider Yamaha 2'06.206 5.281 0.474 Thursday

[cs363]

So, business as usual at the pointy end so far....... :D

[roogazza]

Ahhh some real racing news ! bring on the new season, be it WSB or MOTOGP ! G.

[sosman]

closer look at overall time's from the day three test

1. Valentino Rossi ITA Fiat Yamaha Team 2min 0.925 sec (32 laps)
2. Casey Stoner AUS Ducati Marlboro Team 2min 1.320 sec (36 laps)
3. Jorge Lorenzo SPA Fiat Yamaha Team 2min 1.680 sec (60 laps)
4. Dani Pedrosa SPA Repsol Honda Team 2min 1.822 sec (50 laps)
5. Ben Spies USA Monster Yamaha Tech 3 2min 2.266 sec (31 laps)
6. Andrea Dovizioso ITA Repsol Honda Team 2min 2.272 sec (56 laps)
7. Colin Edwards USA Monster Yamaha Tech 3 2min 2.479 sec (42 laps)
8. Nicky Hayden USA Ducati Marlboro Team 2min 2.493 sec (55 laps)
9. Aleix Espargaro SPA Pramac Racing 2min 2.647 sec (33 laps)
10. Loris Capirossi ITA Rizla Suzuki MotoGP 2min 2.763 sec (48 laps)
11. Marco Melandri ITA San Carlo Honda Gresini 2min 2.810 sec (55 laps)
12. Hector Barbera SPA Aspar Ducati 2min 3.032 sec (51 laps)
13. Randy de Puniet FRA LCR Honda MotoGP 2min 3.043 sec (48 laps)
14. Hiroshi Aoyama JPN Interwetten Honda MotoGP 2min 3.195 sec (56 laps)
15. Marco Simoncelli ITA San Carlo Honda Gresini 2min 3.245 sec (49 laps)
16. Alvaro Bautista SPA Rizla Suzuki MotoGP 2min 3.274 sec (37 laps)
17. Mika Kallio FIN Pramac Racing 2min 3.359 sec (53 laps)

[sosman]

Yeahboi... this is gonna be a good year....Ben spies is looking pretty good at the mo!
You should of read the tripe spewing out of peoples finger tips from armchair racers about his time on day one testing(10th),which to me is still a pretty good position for first time on track!
I'm cheering for Cructhlow in Yammy WSBK too(not a Toesland fan)...& Go Haslam on the suzuki!

[Rcktfsh]

Accept I'm probably swimming against the tide of popular opinion but don't think that Spies will be able to challenge Edwards as the best of the Tech 3 riders, also I reckon you'll see Simocelli, Aoyama & Bautista(dependent on his bike) getting faster in the second half of the season as they get used to the 800's. Agree with Roogazza roll on the new season only 2o sleeps till PI and supers!

[Movistar]

I've put a thread elsewhere, but - do you know if this is going to be on Sky?

Can't see anything in the Skywatch book for February (but I am blind in one eye and have a patch on the other...)

[Rcktfsh]

I saw that thread a bit of a worry, looked at website but doesn't mention anything.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Accept I'm probably swimming against the tide of popular opinion but don't think that Spies will be able to challenge Edwards as the best of the Tech 3 riders, also I reckon you'll see Simocelli, Aoyama & Bautista(dependent on his bike) getting faster in the second half of the season as they get used to the 800's. Agree with Roogazza roll on the new season only 2o sleeps till PI and supers!

Edwards isn't even close to Spies league mate. He STILL hasn't won a single Moto GP race...and never will. Spies will win one before this season is done. Laguna Seca I'm picking.

[Rcktfsh]

As I said could be swimming against the tide but at the end of the season I'd have a box of beer on Edwards being ahead of Spies if your on crasher. Good news on Sky coverage of Superbikes rang them and they are definitely covering it live.

[roogazza]

Edwards isn't even close to Spies league mate. He STILL hasn't won a single Moto GP race...and never will. Spies will win one before this season is done. Laguna Seca I'm picking.
If he finishes ahead of Edwards Pete, I'm thinking Casey Moaner better be looking over his shoulder, He'll have him ??? I look forward to another one in the front bunch though. G.

[Crasherfromwayback]

As I said could be swimming against the tide but at the end of the season I'd have a box of beer on Edwards being ahead of Spies if your on crasher. Good news on Sky coverage of Superbikes rang them and they are definitely covering it live.

You're on mate! Make mine Steinlarger!

[Shaun]

Edwards isn't even close to Spies league mate. He STILL hasn't won a single Moto GP race...and never will. Spies will win one before this season is done. Laguna Seca I'm picking.


Edwards has been, but not know more. And I agree re Spies taking a win this year, or one hell of a crash trying to

[rachprice]

Yay go Spies, he is awesome!

Pity my other boyfriend isn't doing too well at all

[Rcktfsh]

You're on mate! Make mine Steinlarger!

Heinie for me, i really gotta stop getting bored at work and going online it may get expensive.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Heinie for me, i really gotta stop getting bored at work and going online it may get expensive.

You're in trouble if this guy is right!

http://www.motorcycledaily.com/08february10_benwinning.htm

[Shaun]

You're in trouble if this guy is right!

http://www.motorcycledaily.com/08february10_benwinning.htm



Ha Ha, what would that OLD has been know

[Crasherfromwayback]

Ha Ha, what would that OLD has been know

Hah...I reckon anyone that has seen Spies race a bike in the flesh know's he's FAST!

[Shaun]

Hah...I reckon anyone that has seen Spies race a bike in the flesh know's he's FAST!


Agreed. Take a look at some photo's of Glen Skachill front on, then take a look at some of Ben Spies WOW, it is there style, same as the Doohan brothers had there own style

[Crasherfromwayback]

Agreed. Take a look at some photo's of Glen Skachill front on, then take a look at some of Ben Spies WOW, it is there style, same as the Doohan brothers had there own style

On top of that...Spies (like Doohan) is a hard cunt.

[Badjelly]

Hah...I reckon anyone that has seen Spies race a bike in the flesh know's he's FAST!

That would be something to see. But think of the road rash!

[cs363]

You're in trouble if this guy is right!

http://www.motorcycledaily.com/08february10_benwinning.htm

He is in trouble Pete, 'cause I know where he lives....so if he doesn't deliver on that bet I'll help you recover your winnings! :lol:

[gixerracer]

at least he has been! { world champ that is }
Ha Ha, what would that OLD has been know

[Shaun]

at least he has been! { world champ that is }



That post is not even Scarchastic Craig? What;s up with you

[Crasherfromwayback]

He is in trouble Pete, 'cause I know where he lives....so if he doesn't deliver on that bet I'll help you recover your winnings! :lol:

Fuck off Noddy...you'll drink them before I even get a wiff of them!

[cs363]

Fuck off Noddy...you'll drink them before I even get a wiff of them!

Nah, since having enjoyed your hospitality on my last visit to Wellytown, I have a new found respect for you..... :whistle:

[roogazza]

So it'll be, who's going to knock 'The Goat' off his perch as usual. Not an easy task, but alas, it has to happen one day.
Rossi for his 10th title ! G.

[wharfy]

So it'll be, who's going to knock 'The Goat' off his perch as usual. Not an easy task, but alas, it has to happen one day.
Rossi for his 10th title ! G.

"Ten Times World Champion" Has a nice ring to it, doesn't it ? :)

[Oscar]

During the test, MSMA representatives met at the Sepang International Circuit to discuss the future engine rules for the MotoGP class.

Back in December, following talks between MotoGP’s governing body the FIM, series rights holder Dorna Sports and the MSMA, the Grand Prix Commission agreed to change the maximum engine capacity of the MotoGP class to 1000cc for the 2012 season.

Dorna Sports CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta indicated the projected changes were received favourably, and that another meeting to be held later this month in Barcelona should allow the opportunity for further definition of the new technical rules for the premier class

This is the work of Kiwi, Mike Webb (MotoGP Technical Director).
When he was in NZ last month, he described it as "run what you brung".

[Oscar]

Edwards isn't even close to Spies league mate. He STILL hasn't won a single Moto GP race...and never will. Spies will win one before this season is done. Laguna Seca I'm picking.

God help me, I agree with you.

But does Casey know that you're two-timing him?

[Crasherfromwayback]

God help me, I agree with you.

But does Casey know that you're two-timing him?

Hahaha...had to happen sooner or later!

I'm still backing Stoner to do the bizz this year though Oscar!

[codgyoleracer]

Agreed, Big ben should bag at least one win, Lorenzo will want the title badly, Rossi will play his usual games and ride like the Alien he really is, Stoney will take the money - quivver his bottom lip at some point (and possiblycheck out into the distance), Haybale may struggle again, and Edwards will have the most fun of them all.

[roogazza]

Agreed, Big ben should bag at least one win, Lorenzo will want the title badly, Rossi will play his usual games and ride like the Alien he really is, Stoney will take the money - quivver his bottom lip at some point (and possible check out into the distance), Haybale may struggle again, and Edwards will have the most fun of them all.
Hey Glen, Jorge has hurt his right hand riding a motoX bike in Montmello but they say he''l be right for testing before Qatar, broken bone I think? Gaz.

[codgyoleracer]

Intersting, hands can be pretty important on a GP bike ya reakon ?

[Crasherfromwayback]

Intersting, hands can be pretty important on a GP bike ya reakon ?

That's why I reckon Spies is a hard cunt. He beat Mladin for a Superbike title with a broken hand. Respect.