With the first 2011 MotoGP testing completed at Sepang, we hear what some of the top riders have had to say at the Malaysian circuit.
Dani Pedrosa, Honda, 6th fastest
“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 things to confirm about chassis and engine when we come back here.”
Andrea Dovizioso, Honda, 4th fastest
“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.”
GEPA Pictures/Gold & Goose
Marco Simoncelli, Gresini Honda, fastest overall
"I am really happy today. In the test at Valencia we realised that the new bike had potential and I already had a good feeling with it. Taking into account that this is not one of my favourite circuits we have still managed to build on our consistency from yesterday and this morning I was able to set an awesome lap. For the rest of the day we focused on a race simulation, setting a consistent pace and by the end of it I wasn't on the limit like I was in the race here. Overall I am 100 per cent happy.”
Hiroshi Aoyama, Gresini Honda, 7th fastest
“This morning we focused on set-up and we went well, which continued into the afternoon. They have been three useful and important days for us to understand that we can be strong this year. The team is really fantastic and we are already working in harmony. Now we will have a good look at the data and get ready for another important test here at Sepang.”
'I don’t have any problems: now it’s just a question of strength' – Valentino Rossi
Casey Stoner, Honda, 2nd fastest
“Today was definitely the best day… 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.”
Jorge Lorenzo (world champion), Yamaha, 3rd fastest
"I'm very happy after the three days, it has been one of the best winter tests, normally we have more issues to feel good. The bike feels better, but we still need to improve some points. I think the next test will see us take the next step. This afternoon when it was really hot on the track I still managed to put in a few fast laps which has given me the confidence that we are heading in a good direction."
GEPA Pictures/Gold & Goose
Valentino Rossi, Ducati, 10th fastest
“I’m very happy because, before coming here, I expected to do 20, 30 laps per day, and as it turns out, I did around 40 each of the first two days and over 50 today. Of course I was really finished by the end, in part because the rest of my body has to work differently; my left arm has to do extra work, so it’s very tired. But I’m really happy with my shoulder because it’s improving day by day, and even after the stress of having ridden a MotoGP bike at the limit, I don’t have any problems: now it’s just a question of strength.”
Ben Spies, Yamaha, 5th fastest
"For the second and third day we did very consistent times, so I'm very happy with it, it shows the consistency of the bike… We'll come back with some different goals in two weeks to look at being a bit faster and also test some different tyres. We've definitely done what we needed to do here. It's been good riding alongside Jorge, we've both worked hard to deliver important information which the team can now take away and work with."
Comments
Add a comment