Team San Carlo Honda Gresini test new Honda engine at Jerez
Team San Carlo Honda Gresini are back in Europe following
the completion of their intercontinental winter testing schedule
as they continue preparations for the new season at the Jerez
circuit in Spain.
On the first of three days of tests, the team were able to
try out a new engine, which was delivered last night by HRC
and made available to the riders this morning thanks to the
efforts of the engineers until late last night.
The morning provided a useful chance to gather important
set-up information and try a variety of settings, which allowed
Shinya and Alex to pause for lunch with the lead riders in
sight. In the afternoon they took the opportunity to try out
qualifying tyres, with tomorrow’s challenge for the
BMW M Award also in mind.
Alex de Angelis (75 laps, 1.40.165): “It
has been a positive but difficult day because of the strong
wind that was present throughout the session. It was really
interesting to try out the new Honda engine, which as we expected
is better than the previous version in every aspect. However,
we still need some more kilometres on it and some different
circuits to confirm the results from this test. We also had
some really positive feedback from the new material from Bridgestone.”
Shinya Nakano (82 laps, 1.40.192): “I’m
really happy to be here in the new colours of Team San Carlo
Honda Gresini. Today we completed a lot of laps because the
weather forecast for tomorrow is not so good. I’m happy
with the new Honda engine because it is easier to make the
most of the power. We also tested the latest batch of tyres
from Bridgestone – qualifying and race rubber - and
the results were positive in both cases.”
Day one lap times:
1. Hayden (Honda-Repsol) 1.39.200
2. De Puniet (Honda-LCR) 1.39.444
3. Lorenzo (Yamaha-Fiat) 1.39.528
4. Edwards (Yamaha-Tech 3) 1.39.629
5. Toseland (Yamaha-Tech3) 1.39.678
6. De Angelis (Honda-San Carlo) 1.40.165
7. Nakano (Honda-San Carlo) 1.40.192
8. Rossi (Yamaha-Fiat) 1.40.641
9. Stoner (Ducati-Marlboro) 1.40.651
10. Dovizioso (Honda-Scot) 1.40.767
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