Young Guns Set To Load MotoGP Bullets

Nicky Hayden: 1m 34.40s - 53 laps: “I’m still running the last two laps of Sunday’s race through my head, I’m still not over finishing second. Today was not the most productive day of my life either conditions were not ideal for testing it was too cold and windy. We don’t want to read too much into today. Basically we confirmed we were right with the set up on Sunday. Tomorrow, if it’s dry, we’ll get into some serious tyre testing.”

Peter Benson, crew chief Nicky Hayden: “Nicky tested several options on the geometry and different suspension links. The results confirmed that the basic set up he used for the race on Sunday was the best for the track and conditions. Tomorrow we test tyres, maybe rain tyres by the look of the weather forecast.”

Dani Pedrosa: 1m 35.50s – 62 laps. “It was a very important day for us today. My first impression of the RC211V is positive but it is bigger, faster and more difficult to control than the 250cc machine I have been riding for two years. Today was all about trying to understand the bike, how it behaves and what I have to do to understand the machine. The team make up is also different. I have some of my old mechanics who don’t have MotoGP experience and three very experienced guys from the Honda team but they are all serious and very calm. Tomorrow we will try many things again maybe even the feel of different tyres.”

Marco Melandri: 1m 34’8s – 8 laps. “We have an intense testing programme planned with Michelin but the weather conditions didn’t allow it. It is a real shame because I wanted to ride and also because it was important to get started on testing some evolution tyres. The weather doesn’t look good for tomorrow so we’ll have to wait until the Sepang test at the end of November to continue working with Michelin on the new rubber for next season.”

Toni Elias: 1m 35.7s – 34 laps. “I’m really happy with this first contact with my new bike. My first sensations of it are very positive. Considering the small amount of time available I can say that I have already worked out some characteristics of the RC211V, which seems to adapt well to my riding style and size. It is a very agile bike in the changes of direction and feels manageable. I’m still not completely comfortable, we have a lot of work to do but I feel calm and motivated. I also felt good with my new team, I have only been with them for two days but I feel at home. I have been very impressed with their professionalism and organisation. I am sure we will have a good season together.”

Sito Pons, Team Principle Honda Pons: “Today we have been working with Carlos Checa and Casey Stoner preparing for the new season in 2006. Both riders have shown great potential with the RCV and have adapted to the machine very quickly. Carlos had a crash this morning but returned to the track in the afternoon and set some good times, Casey was a about a tenth off a second quicker but he had more time on the bike. I’m quite happy with both riders and look forward to testing with them.”

How the youngsters went

HRC gave three of their young guns the chance to sample the awesome power of the RCV as a thank you for their race performances in 2005. Klaffi Honda World Superbike star Max Neukirchner, Scot Honda 250cc rider Andrea Dovizioso and newly crowned 125cc World Champion Thomas Luthi (Elit Honda RS125R) all put the RCV through its paces at Valencia yesterday and today.

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