Cardion AB Review Sepang 2 MotoGP Test

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During three days of second pre-season test in Malaysia Karel Abraham improved his time by 1,3 seconds in spite of his pain in shoulder. He took twenty-fifth position in total test classification. During the final test scheduled for next weekend in Qatar team will focus to improve the setting of the bike Honda RCV1000R. The aim is to have the bike one hundred percent prepared for the racing season as soon as the rider recovers fully.

Karel Abraham

"Even if we are far from positions where we would like to be, today it means for me a bit of hope. I expected that third day the shoulder would make problems, but I was able to be on the bike enough laps and repeatedly ride times at level of my maximum. Next week we start to test in Qatar so we fly directly there. So it is clear that the shoulder won’t recover miraculously. I will continue with rehabilitation and I have to hope that it will get better gradually. Now when I ride regularly I will be able to see some progress. I would like to be prepared for the race in Qatar, but if it will be like that no one can say it. But I’m going to do everything to be prepared in best manner possible."

Marco Grana, chief mechanic Cardion AB Motoracing

"All three days we were improving day by day and it is a positive new for us. The bad one is that Karel is still limited by his shoulder injury and we cannot ride at the limit. The result that we have reached isn’t naturally the position where we would like to be or where we should be. Despite that we cannot ride fully I consider this test as helpful. We worked on the setting and also on the electronic to be hundered percent prepared when even Karel will be hundred percent prepared. We just have to wait for now. We don’t know how long it will take, but we know, when it will come we could race fully. I have to repeat again that the bike is working perfectly and gradually we are able to move limits of new electronic Magneti Marelli. Big contribution is new rear tyre developed specially for our open class by Bridgestone. In relation with lower power of the engine respect to prototypes, we could not use harder set of tyres adequately"

Cardion AB Press Release

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Drive M7 Aspar Sepang MotoGP Test Review Day 3

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The last of three days of testing at Sepang took place today, bringing an end to the Malaysian preseason leg. Only three more days of tests now remain before the season starts, with the factory Honda, Yamaha and Ducati riders heading to Australia next week and the remainder scheduled to ride in Qatar. Today was the hottest of the six days at Sepang, with the thermometers registering an incredible 64 degrees. It was a gruelling day for the riders, many of whom had full race runs to complete, and probably explains why the pace wasn't quite as quick as yesterday, Valentino Rossi and Dani Pedrosa topping the timesheet with an identical best lap of 1.59.999.

DRIVE M7 Aspar riders Nicky Hayden and Hiroshi Aoyama both picked up their pace on the final day, the Japanese rider clocking his best time of the entire six days here (2.02.070), although the American was unable to match his fastest effort from the first session, when the conditions were more favourable. Despite the tortuous heat both riders managed to improve the consistency of their lap times and are looking forward to making more progress in the next test. 

15th Nicky Hayden 2.01.924 (59 laps): 

“We have worked really hard over the last three days here and we have gathered a lot of information that has given us a better understanding of the bike, although we still haven't made the major step we are looking for.  We still don't know why we're struggling so much to get the bike stopped into the corners so we need to work more with the electronics. It has been a strange day and we lost some time making alterations to the set-up to adapt to the heat. We know our potential is much higher than we have been able to show here so we can be optimistic and go to Qatar next week ready to put some more hard work in. It will be interesting to see how the bike performs at a different track but we have a lot to do there to make sure we are ready for the first race." 

17th Hiroshi Aoyama 2.02.070 (61 laps): 

“We had a little setback today and had to put everything on hold at around midday but in the end we fixed it and got back out on track. Our objective today was to continue working on the set-up and we managed to improve the feeling by the end of the day. As well as improving the feeling we also improved the lap times but we still have plenty to test next week in Qatar. We need to have a meeting and work out how we can improve the suspension but in general the feeling is that the bike is good and has plenty of room for improvement - it just needs more laps."

Drive M7 Aspar Press Release

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[Press Release] Ducati Team Swtich to Open Option for 2014 MotoGP World Championship

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- Cal Crutchlow and Andrea Dovizioso will race their Desmosedici GP14 in the Open configuration.

- Open option gives more freedom for development during the year.

- Ducati Corse to keep developing their bikes during the championship to improve competitiveness.

Ducati Team has announced today that they will compete in the 2014 MotoGP Championship,  taking advantage of the Open option.

The new MotoGP regulations, introduced this year, give each manufacturer the possibility to choose between two technical options: Factory and Open.

While in 2014 all bikes in the championship – Factory and Open - must use exactly the same Magneti Marelli ECU, the Open option also includes the obligation to use the standard DORNA software, however allowing more freedom in terms of engine development.

Ducati, after carefully considering the two options, has decided that the most suitable one for the current needs of the Bologna-based manufacturer is the Open one, which gives the possibility to the race department to continue the development of the bike and the engine throughout the entire season.

Recent tests carried out in Sepang by the Ducati Team riders, Cal Crutchlow and Andrea Dovizioso, gave a positive feedback to the Ducati engineers and therefore, on the deadline of February 28, both riders have been entered into the championship with their Desmosedici GP14 bikes selecting the Open option.

The other Ducati contracted rider, Andrea Iannone, will also race for Pramac Racing Team with the same bike and option as the Ducati Team riders.

Luigi Dall'Igna, Ducati Corse General Manager, commented: "We have carefully studied the new technical regulations and have concluded that the Open option is the most interesting for Ducati, in the current situation. This year we have to keep developing our bikes throughout the season to improve our competitiveness, and the Factory option appears to be too restrictive for our needs. We are confident that the electronics package provided by Magneti Marelli and DORNA has very good quality and will allow the correct management of all the main functions of the bikes".

Ducati Press Relase

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Monster Yamaha Tech3 Review Sepang 2 MotoGP Test Day 3

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Bradley Smith and Pol Espargaro completed the final day of testing at the Sepang International Circuit today, with many positives to conclude, for the beginning of the MotoGP season at the end of March.

Having undertaken relentless testing programmes for the previous two days, today saw the second Sepang MotoGP test draw to a close. Both Monster Yamaha Tech3 riders experimented with various aspects of their Yamaha YZR-M1 MotoGP bikes in order to find the most suitable set ups which would suit their riding styles. 

British rider Bradley Smith ended the test with an overall feeling of satisfaction regarding his performances over the past three days, as he prepares for his second season in MotoGP. Having spent a large quantity of time on refining the front and rear sections of the Yamaha YZR-M1, as well as accustoming himself to the seamless shift gearbox and the new Bridgestone tyres, Smith was  content with the developments made. He completed a full race simulation today, which was successfully undertaken and confirmed that all of the changes made during this test were in the right direction. Undertaking a colossal 185 laps over all three days, the young British rider finished the second Sepang test with a best time of 2:00.804 in 9th place.  

Young Spanish rider Pol Espargaro finished the session feeling pleased, having spent the past three days learning and mastering his new MotoGP bike. The 2013 Moto2 World Champion, completed over 158 laps around the 5.543 kilometre track, over the three days. He optimised the available time and tested ceaselessly to continue to gain as much knowledge of his new Yamaha YZR-M1 and Monster Yamaha Tech3 Team as possible. The learning curve was steep and despite a small crash yesterday, Espargaro leaves the Sepang test feeling positive. Having gelled seamlessly with the new gearbox, the young Spaniard set the 3rd fastest time on the opening day, before finishing in 10th overall, with an ultimate lap time of 2:00.999.

Bradley Smith -  9th - 2:00.804:

“We tried a lot of different solutions today, especially with the rear of the bike and tried to work the new Bridgestone tyres as much as possible. I found a setting that I was much happier with, which made the bike smoother, and let me ride the Yamaha how it should be. We definitely made the step with rear tyre performance, which allowed me to be much more consistent, compared to the last Sepang test and last year’s race. I did a race simulation, and am pleased as it was during a really hot part of the day, so not perfect in terms of track conditions. At the end of the day, after 70 laps I also did my best time. There are many positives, and I come away from here quite happy. It appears as though the track was slower this time than the previous test, but we are close to my lap time from then. All in all, it has been a somewhat difficult three days, but I am really pleased with the final result. “

Pol Espargaro - 10th -2:00.999:

“It has not been an easy day today. Probably the most difficult one we have had so far. I didn’t feel too well, on one hand maybe because of the crash from yesterday, or on the other hand because it’s really demanding doing several days and so many laps in such hot and humid conditions. However, even if I’m not too enthusiastic about my performance today, I am still just one second from the top of the timesheets which makes me feel much better. Again, we tried different setup solutions, as I still have many things to learn about this bike. I’m really looking forward to trying the bike on a different circuit, in Qatar next week. This will extend my knowledge further, and will permit us to be able to evaluate the information which we collected during this test in a better way. But honestly, all these comments are not as important when you get news like we received today from our Moto2 rider, who is in hospital in France. My thoughts are with him and I hope he recovers quickly.”

Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Press Release

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Yamaha Factory Team Review Sepang MotoGP Test Day 3

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Yamaha Factory Racing’s Valentino Rossi has completed the second official test of the 2014 MotoGP season as the fastest rider. Rossi wrapped up the three days of riding at the Sepang International circuit in Malaysia with a fastest time of 1’59.999, one of only two riders to drop under the two minute mark after an impressive fastest lap today.

Whilst still struggling to find a perfect solution to the new Bridgestone tyres, Jorge Lorenzo was able to find a change to make some improvement to set up today. The Mallorcan was still less than satisfied overall with the grip levels on offer from the 2014 rubber. Lorenzo was able to step a little closer to the front than yesterday, wrapping up in seventh, just over 0.6 of a second from his teammate in first. 

The Team now move directly to Phillip Island in Australia for a further test before the season kicks off under the floodlights of Qatar on the 23rd March.

Valentino Rossi

1st | 1'59.999 | 41 Laps

“First of all I am very happy because I am in first position and I did a good lap. I was one of the only ones in the 1’59s which is positive, especially because with the 2014 tyres in the first test we tried a time attack and I was more than one second slower than today. This test we have always been at the top and fighting for the first position so it’s positive. We still have some problems when it’s very hot over long distance with the new tyres, so we still have to work, but we made a good step from the first test. The next test in Philip Island will be very important to understand if also there we improved a lot like here because I am more than one second faster than the second test of last year so we have been working well.”

Jorge Lorenzo

7th | 2'00.619 | 70 Laps

“We found a better solution today to improve our situation and adapt these tyres at this track. The tyres are much harder in the sidewalls. At this track, with this tarmac that is very slippery, it’s not the same as Phillip Island or Mugello for example, it’s impossible for us to be competitive. This tyre is much worse for Yamaha and better for Honda. Our bike is competitive, at a similar level to the competitors but with the tyre we have problems. We tried a simulation today and it was worse and worse every lap. In the edge there is a problem with no grip but also when you pick up the bike it spins. You can improve the feeling a little to get more grip but when the tyre starts to drop the problems get worse and worse.”

Yamaha factory Team Press Release

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Go&Fun Honda Gresini Review Sepang 2 MotoGP Test Day 3

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The Sepang official MotoGP winter testing has come to a conclusion today for GO&FUN Honda Gresini’s Alvaro Bautista and Scott Redding: both riders leave the Malaysian track in high spirits, having obtained a good feeling aboard their bikes, the ‘Factory’ Honda RC213V and the ‘Open’ Honda RCV1000R respectively.

After yesterday’s successful race simulation, Alvaro Bautista spent the last day of testing focusing on different details about suspension, brakes and electronics. The Spaniard finished the day with the sixth best time, 2’00”506, obtained in the morning but also replicated in the latter part of the day, with very high temperatures on track, proving that there’s still room for improvement.

Scott Redding concluded his first two MotoGP testing sessions costantly improving his lap times. The 2013 Moto2 runner-up got to grips with the Honda RCV1000R adopting a smoother riding style, working especially on stability under braking and refining the electronics. The young British rider lowered his lap time from yesterday by 0.4 of a second, with a best time of 2’02”228 after clocking up 50 laps around the Sepang track.

Alvaro Bautista (2'00"506 - 60 LAPS)

“These six days of testing in Malaysia have been very hard because we faced very difficult conditions, but we are really happy because we have improved so much throughout the two testing sessions, reaching a good feeling with the bike. After the great work done in the first two days, today we could focus on some details with regard to the Showa front fork, as well as the Nissin brakes . In addition, we have refined the electronic controls . At the end of the day I managed to repeat the lap times obtained in the morning, when the track was cooler: it means that we are working in the right direction, and that there is still room for improvement . Moreover, even though the new rear shock already goes very well, enabling us to maintain a good pace for several consecutive laps, even when the tyre starts to wear out, we have not yet explored all the possible settings . Therefore in the next test in Qatar we will continue to work on this aspect, also trying to improve our qualifying performance”.

Scott Redding (2'02"228 - 50 LAPS)

“I am very happy with how these three days of testing went! The situation has improved a lot since the first test earlier this month; we found a good direction to work on the bike and now I also feel much more confident when riding. Initially I was very aggressive, but now I'm trying to adopt a softer and smoother riding style, and this is helping me a lot also to work on the bike set-up. Today we have also seen progress under braking, where, however, we need to work on consistency, and also in terms of electronics. We are confident ahead of the next test in Qatar: we will start from the data collected here in Malaysia and we'll see how it goes, considering that we will face a completely different track and conditions”.

Go&Fun Honda Gresini Press Release

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NGM Mobile Forward Racing Team Review Sepang MotoGP Test Day 3

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The second 2014 MotoGP pre-season test session ended today at Malaysia’s Sepang circuit with very positive results for the NGM Mobile Forward Racing Team.

Aleix Espargaró was very consistent along the three days of testing, scoring the 4th best time in the combined lap times classification with a top time of  2’00.101.  After having worked on the bike set up in the first two days, this morning he made a long run to check the bike behaviour on the race distance, showing a good pace.

Colin Edwards continued working on the bike set up. He also tested some new solutions in preparation of the race distance. In total he completed 23 laps, Aleix 43.

The NGM Forward Racing Team will be back on track  for the last MotoGP Test session scheduled in Qatar from the 7th to the 9th of March.

Aleix Espargaro – 41

“I’m very happy with how we progressed in these three days of testing. We started where we left here in Sepang 1 and I could work on the second bike and on the race distance. I’m very satisfied with the data gathered during the long run. We were competitive and now I look forward to confirm my feeling in Qatar, where we will do another test session before the opening race of the season”.

Colin Edwards – 5

“We continued working on the bike set up to improve the feeling with the bike in the corners. We tried several solutions but I still don’t have the right confidence to push as I am used to. We also worked on the electronics with positive results and we focused on the tank to check the fuel consumption as we would like to take advantage of the possibility to use all the 24 liters that the Open class has at disposal. We gathered important data and I’d like to thank my team for the work done during these three days”.

NGM Forward Racing Press Release

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LCR Honda Review Sepang MotoGP Test Day 3

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the second test of 2014 has concluded with Yamaha rider Valentino Rossi clocking the fastest lap time (1’59.999) at the end of the 3-day action at Sepang circuit. LCR racer Stefan Bradl dedicated the majority of the day working on long distance pace again and his quickest lap time (2’00.164) came early in the session when the German took the track on soft rubber. Bradl took advantage of the slightly improved track conditions to focus on the overall package of his RC213V before moving to Losail (Qatar) for the last pre-season test on the 7, 8 and 9 of March. 

Stefan Bradl

“I am quite happy about the job we made in the last three days. It’s tough to work in these conditions (37 degrees today!) and the guys made a very good job to adjust the bike. Early in the session we went out on soft rubber and afterwards we kept working on long-run performance. Today my pace was not as good as yesterday because I was not comfortable enough on hard front tyre but, overall, this test has been quite positive for us: we are not far off the pace and we have the potential to ride in the front”.

LCR Honda Team Press Release

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Repsol Honda Team Review Sepang MotoGP Test Day 3

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The second and final test in Malaysia has come to an end with Repsol Honda’s Dani Pedrosa finishing joint first with Valentino Rossi with a time of 1’59.999 on his final exit.

This morning Dani did a race simulation run of 19 laps and worked on various settings and engine mappings on his RC213V machine. He then took the time to rest before returning on track for a time attack, recording his fastest lap of the week. He completed a total of 41 laps today taking his total for the second test to 145.

The team will now pack up and head to Phillip Island for their final test in preparation for the Qatar GP on 23 March.

Dani Pedrosa - 2nd (1'59.999)

"Today we worked on engine mapping to improve cornering, but the most important thing that we were able to do is a race simulation. We also tried to improve our fast lap time attacks as well. We progressed a lot - although there is still room for improvement. Now we are off to Phillip Island to test out the new tyres”

Repsol Honda Team Press Release

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Sepang 2 MotoGP Test Day 3 Final Result

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1 ROSSI, Valentino Yamaha Factory Racing 01:59.999
2 PEDROSA, Dani Repsol Honda Team 01:59.999
3 DOVIZIOSO, Andrea Ducati Team 02:00.067
4 ESPARGARO, Aleix NGM Mobile Forward Racing 02:00.101
5 BRADL, Stefan LCR Honda MotoGP 02:00.164
6 BAUTISTA, Alvaro GO&FUN Honda Gresini 02:00.506
7 LORENZO, Jorge Yamaha Factory Racing 02:00.619
8 CRUTCHLOW, Cal Ducati Team 02:00.790
9 SMITH, Bradley Monster Yamaha Tech 3 02:00.804
10 ESPARGARO, Pol Monster Yamaha Tech 3 02:01.032
11 IANNONE, Andrea Pramac Racing 02:01.198
12 DE PUNIET, Randy Team Suzuki MotoGP 02:01.430
13 HERNANDEZ, Yonny Energy T.I. Pramac Racing 02:01.497
14 EDWARDS, Colin NGM Mobile Forward Racing 02:01.748
15 HAYDEN, Nicky Drive M7 Aspar 02:01.924
16 PIRRO, Michele Ducati Test Team 02:02.029
17 AOYAMA, Hiroshi Drive M7 Aspar 02:02.070
18 REDDING, Scott GO&FUN Honda Gresini 02:02.228
19 BARBERA, Hector Avintia Racing 02:02.341
20 NAKASUGA, Katsuyuki Yamaha Factory Test Team 02:03.115
21 DI MEGLIO, Mike Avintia Racing 02:03.499
22 ABRAHAM, Karel Cardion AB Motoracing 02:04.304
23 AOKI, Nobuatsu Team Suzuki MotoGP 02:06.482

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Suzuki Review Sepang 2 MotoGP Test Day 2

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The Suzuki MotoGP Test Team continued its 2014 test programme on day two of the Sepang test in Malaysia today, finding better speed from the new engine and also better stability. 

Test rider Randy De Puniet knocked 1.2-seconds off his best lap yesterday with a best time of 2:02.139 on his penultimate 59th lap of the 5,543km Sepang International Circuit. 

The Suzuki MotoGP Test Team will continue to evaluate the new engine, electronic ignition and also a new chassis on the final day tomorrow. 

Randy De Puniet: 

“We continued to test the new engine specification and we found a better power delivery and more top speed, so it was positive. We were better than first test but we have to improve some more on power delivery, making it less aggressive. Our lap time is improved and we hope to make further steps tomorrow. The team is still working to improve the tyre grip on the edge but I felt a better stability in braking. I’m confident that we can further improve tomorrow as we have some more new settings to try to improve the engine and chassis.”

Suzuki Press Release

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Monster Yamaha Tech3 Review Sepang 2 MotoGP Test Day 2

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Monster Yamaha Tech3’s Pol Espargaro and Bradley Smith carried on with their testing programmes in positive fashion at the Sepang International Circuit. Both riders lapped confidently with their Yamaha YZR-M1’s, as preparations for the MotoGP World Championship season opening race at the Losail Circuit proceeded.  

With traction improving and the dirt gradually clearing from the track, the Monster Yamaha Tech3 riders sought comfort and confidence in the set ups of their Yamaha YZR- M1 MotoGP bikes, as opposed to posting quick lap times today.

The weather was once again very humid and hot at the iconic Malaysian circuit, which is located nearly 50 kilometres south of Kuala Lumpur. 

2013 Moto2 World Champion Pol Espargaro furthered his encouraging pre-season testing by completing 47 laps around the 5.543 km track, whilst continuing to learn his new MotoGP machine. Having sampled the seamless shift gearbox yesterday, and with a positive feeling for the Yamaha YZR-M1, the young Spaniard pushed on. Espargaro made as much use of the testing time as possible, and increased his experience and knowledge with his Monster Yamaha Tech3 team. He finished today’s session in 8th position with a best lap time of 2:01.027.

Young British rider Bradley Smith completed another solid day today with undertaking an abundance of laps and continuing with his testing programme. Having spent the preceding test day accustoming himself with the newly acquired seamless shift gearbox, today he continued to refine set up options on the Yamaha YZR-M1. Smith worked on the feeling of the bike with a full fuel load, and some front end and rear end settings. Once satisfied with the progress, the British rider expertly completed 60 laps in today’s session alone and finished the session in 10th place with a best time of 2:01.098.

The final day of testing commences tomorrow between 10am and 6pm (local time – GMT +8) at the Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia.  

Pol Espargaro - 8th - 2:01.027:

“Today was the day I have struggled the most since riding the Yamaha, and unfortunately it was the first time I did not improve my lap time. Plus the track did not improve a lot from yesterday. In the morning it took me a bit of time to find the rhythm. I had a small crash this afternoon, but it was nothing serious and I am not hurt. However, we lost a lot of track time because of this. After that, we changed a few details on the bike to improve the handling, but when I tried to improve my time this afternoon, I did not feel comfortable. However, all the Yamaha’s struggled a little bit so I am not too worried.”

Bradley Smith - 10th - 2:01.098:

“It was another positive day, we tested many things and tried to learn as much as possible. We worked on the front end and found a few small details, before moving to the back of the bike. Unfortunately we couldn’t find a rear setting which worked without affecting something else, but it’s about trying to find the right compromise. I am really pleased that I did many 2.01 lap times. I felt confident and the bike is feeling good on the full fuel load, which is what we always targeted on improving. Track conditions today weren’t too bad, I know there is more potential but unless I make it happen, it won’t make any difference to the lap times. I’m still a bit off from where I would like to be. Looking at the factory riders, I would like to reduce the gap to them and become more consistent. I am really pleased with the work we have been doing. The team have worked extremely hard, so I want to say a big thanks to them. Hopefully, we can do a race simulation tomorrow and see how much we have improved since the first test.”

Monster Yamaha Tech3 Press Release

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Yamaha Factory Team Review Sepang MotoGP Test Day 2

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Yamaha Factory Racing riders Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo completed the second of the three days of testing today that mark the second official test of the 2014 MotoGP pre-season schedule.

The riders were again out at the Sepang International circuit in Malaysia, putting their 2014 YZR-M1 machines to the test as they continue to look for the optimum set up using the new 2014 Bridgestone tyres.

Valentino Rossi was able to improve on his time of yesterday, taking nearly seven tenths of a second off to move up to fourth place in the overall timesheets for the day.

Jorge Lorenzo continues to find the 2014 tyres challenging in the hunt for the perfect set up. The Mallorcan was unable to make a big step forward today and completed the second day in ninth, just over a second from the front man Dani Pedrosa.

Valentino Rossi

4th | 2'00.605 | 60 Laps

“The main issue for this test is to try and improve our M1 with the new 2014 tyre. We tried some things but at the end of the day we are not very happy. I am in fourth place, the lap time is quite good but we are half a second behind the other guys. We are suffering with this tyre; our bike becomes difficult to manage. Tomorrow we will try again but we have not so many options. Every track has a different story but we are quite worried because it looks like we are in trouble with this tyre. We hope that in other tracks we will have less problems but here in Sepang, especially compared to the first test, it is more difficult.”

Jorge Lorenzo

9th | 2'01.049 | 57 Laps

“Today I am very disappointed, especially in the tyre behaviour. Nothing has changed compared to yesterday. I still don't have the confidence to ride as I want to. Tomorrow is another day, we still have eight hours to find the right way so we will work hard and hopefully by the end of tomorrow we will have solutions.”

Yamaha Factory Racing Press Release

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Go&Fun Honda Gresini Review Sepang 2 MotoGP Test Day 2

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Team GO&FUN Honda Gresini riders Alvaro Bautista and Scott Redding made further improvements on day two of the second official MotoGP test at Sepang International Circuit. Today in the afternoon Bautista was able to try a first race simulation, focusing on tyre durability putting in 20 consecutive laps. In the latter part of the day, Alvaro was also improved his lap time from yesterday, setting a good 2’00”500, which puts him third overall in today’s session, as well in the combined times.

Scott Redding spent time making some adjustments to the chassis geometry of his Honda RCV1000R in order to find more braking stability, getting positive feedback and closing the gap to the other ‘Open’ Hondas with a fastest lap of 2’02”652, whch lowers his yesterday’s lap time by almost a second.

Alvaro Bautista (2'00"500 - 55 LAPS)

“Today we completed a good race simulation: having done it in the afternoon, the track was not in the best condition, but all in all we are pleased with how it went. We have gathered important data and we have seen an improvement with regard to the durability of the rear tyre. Compared to what happened in last year’s race, especially thanks to the new Showa rear suspension items, the bike moves less when the tyre starts to wear out. The front tyre instead starts to slip a little bit after about 15 laps, and this leads to lose the ideal line, therefore we will work to improve this aspect. At the end of the day I also set a very good lap time, the best ever for me on this track, but I'm especially happy for the good work we were able to do: tomorrow we will continue to work on chassis set-up and refining the electronics, but we are definitely in a good shape”.

Scott Redding (2'02"652 - 54 LAPS)

“I’m happy with today’s outcome: we worked a lot on braking stability and now the situation is better than yesterday, therefore I was able to improve my lap times. Tomorrow we will continue to work in this direction, trying other chassis geometry solutions and I hope we can make a further step ahead. In the last day we will also try to refine the electronics”.

Go&Fun Honda Gresini Press Release

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Pramac Racing Review Sepang MotoGP Test Day 2

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Andrea Iannone - PramacRacing - was unlucky as the first half of the day was unfruitful because of a minor technical problem and a crash, which was luckily without consequences for "Maniac Joe". Work could restart only in the afternoon. Today for Andrea was the first time with the Open class software. Tomorrow the team will continue the work on the Open electronics to gather as much information as possible for Ducati to help them decide what to do for the upcoming championship.

Yonny Hernandez - Energy T.I. Pramac Racing - demonstrated right away that the work on his GP13 Open was going in the right direction. In the first part of the test session Yonny rode about one second faster than Sepang 1, laying down a time of 2'01"685, his best lap ever on the Sepang circuit. 

Andrea Iannone

"Today has been a hard day, even though we improved compared to yesterday. We found some solutions to some problems I had. Now we have to concentrate on tomorrow and understand what to do on the bike. My team and I have some ideas on what to do to improve, but let's wait to get a better idea. I thank my team, Ducati and all the guys that support me."

Yonny Hernandez

"I'm really happy with the work done today, we improved the bike a lot. I think now I can make another step forward, because my lap times are better. I was able to finish a lap in 2'01''6 and the rhythm is much better than yesterday. I solved a lot of problems with the electronics, and I get more and more feeling each lap. I think tomorrow I will improve a little. I want to thank the Team for the work done. Today we made a step forward!"

Pramac Racing Press Release

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NGM Mobile Forward Racing Team Review Sepang MotoGP Test Day 2

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It was another positive day for the NGM Forward Racing Team at Sepang circuit with Aleix Espargaró finishing second (2.00.320), only 0.281 behind Dani Pedrosa, the fastest rider today, after having been on top of the time sheets for almost the whole test session.

On board of his Forward Yamaha FTR, Aleix could improve his lap times already during the morning session, then in the afternoon he continued working on the set up of the first and second machine. Despite the torrid temperatures that obliged the riders to stay in the garage in the early hours of the afternoon, the Spaniard succeeded to lower his lap times, closing with a very positive  2’00.320.

It was a positive day also for his team mate Colin Edwards, who celebrated his 40th anniversary.  In total Colin

completed 45 laps, 2’01.996 was his best time.

Tomorrow the NGM Forward Racing Team will be back on track for the third and final day of testing at Sepang racetrack, in Malaysia.

 Colin Edwards

“I’m satisfied of the work done today. I could improve my feeling with the front and I could make the bike turn better, but there is still a lot of work to do. I think I need to adapt my riding style to the new bike and also to get closer to the style used nowadays by the youngest riders in order to enter and exit the corners as I like. Anyway in the middle of today’s test session I could do my best lap time and I want to thank the team for the great job.”

 Aleix Espargaro

“Today we worked on the set up of the two machines and I’m very confident because last year I never succeeded to have the same confidence on both bikes. Here in less than 2 days I have found a good feeling and I’m very satisfied. In the afternoon I tested the new Magneti Marelli software, which is a step forward especially when the tyres start to drop. I hope we can do a long run tomorrow and check how the bike work on the race distance.”

NGM Mobile Forward Racing Press Release

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Repsol Honda Team Review Sepang MotoGP Test Day 2

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Repsol Honda’s Dani Pedrosa has finished the second day in Sepang at the top of the time sheets.

Dani, who was still suffering from some jet-lag, had a quiet morning and only completed 15 laps. In the afternoon he began to work properly, focusing on setup of the front of his RC213V and also with mappings, completing 57 laps with a fastest time of 2’00.039 on lap 55. Tomorrow, the final day in Sepang, he will switch to work on rear setup before the team heads to Australia for the final Winter three-day test.

The Repsol Honda Team confirmed yesterday that Dani’s teammate, Marc Marquez, will not be fit enough to test before the first race of 2014, after breaking his fibula in a training accident. The Qatar GP weekend will begin on Thursday 20th March.

Dani Pedrosa - 1st (2'00.039)

“Things went well this afternoon, even though this morning we were still having some issues and I wasn't able to ride comfortably. I had to stop early in order to make some big changes to the bike, and when we restarted after lunch I felt more comfortable and put in better laps. We focused on the front end and were able to find a good setup. Tomorrow we will focus on making progress with the rear, because we have to get the new tyre working better and increase grip. If all goes well, then perhaps tomorrow we will be able to do a race simulation”

Repsol Honda Team Press Release

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LCR Honda Review Sepang MotoGP Test Day 2

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the pre-season testing continued today at Sepang circuit with track conditions generally improved than yesterday when the LCR Racer Stefan Bradl focused on hard tyre evaluation. In grueling 32 degrees the LCR racer finished the session covering 52 laps with a best time of 2’00.902 (6th overall): his best time was half a second better today. The former Moto2 World Champion put in a solid and consistent run for LCR and focused on different set-up adjustments to improve braking stability.

Stefan Bradl: 

“Today the track conditions were somewhat better than yesterday but still not comparable with Sepang first test session. It’s tough riding the bike with this heat; however today we kept working on the race-long performance and we are quite happy about our pace. Throughout the day we made several adjustments trying to improve braking stability and, at the end of the day, we gained some good results. Tomorrow we will put all these things together and we will go for a faster lap time”.

LCR Honda Press Release

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Sepang 2 MotoGP Test Day 2 Final Result

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1 PEDROSA, Dani Repsol Honda Team 02:00.039
2 ESPARGARO, Aleix NGM Mobile Forward Racing 02:00.320
3 BAUTISTA, Alvaro GO&FUN Honda Gresini 02:00.500
4 ROSSI, Valentino Yamaha Factory Racing 02:00.605
5 DOVIZIOSO, Andrea Ducati Team 02:00.787
6 BRADL, Stefan LCR Honda MotoGP 02:00.902
7 CRUTCHLOW, Cal Ducati Team 02:00.952
8 ESPARGARO, Pol Monster Yamaha Tech 3 02:01.027
9 LORENZO, Jorge Yamaha Factory Racing 02:01.049
10 SMITH, Bradley Monster Yamaha Tech 3 02:01.098
11 IANNONE, Andrea Pramac Racing 02:01.173
12 HERNANDEZ, Yonny Energy T.I. Pramac Racing 02:01.658
13 EDWARDS, Colin NGM Mobile Forward Racing 02:01.996
14 HAYDEN, Nicky Drive M7 Aspar 02:02.088
15 DE PUNIET, Randy Team Suzuki MotoGP 02:02.139
16 BARBERA, Hector Avintia Racing 02:02.149
17 REDDING, Scott GO&FUN Honda Gresini 02:02.652
18 AOYAMA, Hiroshi Drive M7 Aspar 02:02.786
19 PIRRO, Michele Ducati Test Team 02:02.799
20 NAKASUGA, Katsuyuki Yamaha Factory Test Team 02:02.802
21 DI MEGLIO, Mike Avintia Racing 02:03.946
22 ABRAHAM, Karel Cardion AB Motoracing 02:05.198
23 AOKI, Nobuatsu Team Suzuki MotoGP 02:07.462

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Ducati Review Sepang 2 MotoGP Test Day 1

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With less than one month to go before the opening round of the MotoGP World Championship in Qatar, a second IRTA test session for the Ducati Team has been getting underway today, again at the Sepang circuit in Malaysia, where the first test of the 2014 season took place at the start of February. Andrea Dovizioso and Cal Crutchlow took to the track on their Desmosedici GP14 machines to try out the updates brought to Malaysia for these tests and continue development work on the bikes.

After evaluating a number of different set-ups in his 47 laps on the track, Dovizioso found a comfortable feeling towards the end of the day. The Italian rider was then able to record his quickest time of 2m01.029s just a few minutes before the end, concluding today’s session with an encouraging fourth place.

His team-mate Cal Crutchlow completed a total of 48 laps and his gap from Dovizioso was more than one second at the end of the day. The British rider however had a technical problem that did not allow him to take advantage of the new rear tyre he had just fitted.

The priority of the Ducati Team in this test is in any case to continue with the development of the GP14, and today’s results, especially Dovizioso’s improvement on a track that is not performing as well as three weeks ago, helped to confirm that the Italian team is working in the right direction.

Track time was also shared by Ducati Test Team rider Michele Pirro, who was able to try out some new components and electronics solutions. The best time of the Italian rider was not particularly significant as he was not aiming for quick laps, and he focused on his scheduled work programme.

Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team #04) – 4th (2m01.029s)

“We started the day when the grip on the track was not particularly good. We did some laps in the morning, but then worked better in the afternoon when the track improved. The first day was positive, because with what we tested we were able to improve the bike, both in the electronics and in set-up. Today we didn’t have much new stuff to try, just different set-ups that seemed to work well. I had a really good feeling towards the end of the day, when I put on a good tyre on my final exit and managed to set a good time. Even though the times are not to be considered a reference point, I’m still pretty pleased with the improvement we made today.”

Cal Crutchlow (Ducati Team #35) – 11th (2m02.319s)

“I’m not as pleased as Dovi, that’s for sure, but we had a technical issue at the end of the day, and I was unable to capitalize on having a new rear tyre, unlike everyone else. If I had taken off one second like Dovi, I would have been very happy but at the moment we have a lot more issues than that. We’re struggling to find a setting at the moment but we did confirm a few things from the last test. Tomorrow we really need to work on finding some rear grip because the track is worse than last time; the front doesn’t feel too bad, but we need some more time to understand the bike in these different conditions. I’m not too worried, because we know we should be going faster with the new tyre.”

Ducati Team Press Release

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