Monday, January 3, 2011

HRC MotoGP test at Sepang ends 2010 on-track development work


The HRC MotoGP test team brought the curtain down on the 2010 season on-track when they wrapped up the three-day test at Sepang, Malaysia today (Friday). The test session was scheduled to end on Thursday but was extended to include a three-hour session this morning due to heavy rain yesterday afternoon.


The test team and HRC test rider Kousuke Akiyoshi were happy with the data gathered while verifying information and technical data gained at the last team test session, held at Valencia in early November.
The HRC test was also a happy experience for Ten Kate Honda World Superbike team rider Jonathan Rea. The Ulsterman was given the opportunity to test the RC212V as a reward for his WSB performances in 2010. Rea completed the test alongside Akiyoshi running for 40 laps in fine sunny weather with temperatures close on 30 degrees for the morning session.
Rea said of his first MotoGP experience. "Riding the RC212V has been an unbelievable experience for me! A four-day test is a dream that came true and I am really happy that HRC invited me here to Sepang. Yesterday the rain didn't allow us to remain on track that much and we stayed one more day. Today I started to feel that the bike was 'my bike' and I had a good feeling riding it. I hope I have been able to give to the engineers some useful comments, even if my physical condition was not the best because my wrist is still not 100%. Now I will have some rest for the end of the year, and then I will be focused on my job for 2011 which is the World Superbike Championship. Thanks again to everybody in Honda for the great experience!"
While Rea returns to Europe for a well earned rest the HRC engineers will not be stopping. The test team heads home to Japan with a lot of important data to evaluate as they continue working on the development of the RC212V in time for the first MotoGP test session of the 2011 season. The test will also be held at the Sepang circuit from February 1-3.

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