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Stoner ends Malaysian test on top
Casey Stoner remained quickest as the chequered flag fell at Sepang on Thursday, bringing an end to MotoGP’s first pre-season test of the year. The World Champion, who had been injured and skipped the first day, ducked under the two-minute lap time barrier as the factory Honda and Yamaha riders filled the top four places.
As the new 1,000cc bikes continued their development patterns, Stoner beat Valentino Rossi’s 2009 lap record with his leading time of 1:59.607, half a second up on second-placed Jorge Lorenzo. Dani Pedrosa was within a tenth of his compatriot, with Ben Spies enduring the top four lockout for the pair of leading teams.
“It's been a good test in general,” Stoner reported in the paddock. “We only managed two out of the three days, unfortunately, but the weather has been really good to us and we've been able to do what we planned. The day I missed hasn't affected us too much and we've managed to complete our testing programme.
“I'm still not feeling great with my back but the bike is okay, so we've made progress in reducing the chatter a little more and trying a few different things - some small settings on the shock that we haven't tried before, amongst other points. So far it's been pretty positive. Now I'm looking forward to getting home to Switzerland to see Adriana and await the arrival of our baby!”
Promise continued for Ducati and Rossi, who shot up by two spots to fifth in the closing stages with 2:00.824, 1.2 seconds off the top pace. In the meantime, team-mate Nicky Hayden could only complete two laps in the afternoon as his weak shoulder continued to cause frustrations; the 2006 title winner ended the day tenth.
"We on the team are all happy with how this test has gone, especially today," said Rossi. "With a 2:00.8, we’re starting to get to a decent time. The two Hondas and the two Yamahas are still ahead of us, but we consider this test to be a starting point. The most positive things we’ve achieved are that the front now lets me ride a little more as I’m able, that the bike reacts well to changes and that we have very clear ideas on what’s still missing. In particular, if we manage to improve the bike’s behaviour on acceleration, we’ll be able to take a consistent step forward."
Tech 3 again demonstrated hopeful potential, with Coventry’s Cal Crutchlow seventh and just ahead of new team-mate Andrea Dovizioso. Further back, 2011 250cc Champion Stefan Bradl managed 11th position for LCR, ahead of Karel Abraham for what will be his second campaign with the Cardion AB Motoracing machine.
Rounding out the timesheets was Spain’s Iván Silva on a BQR-Blusens Avintia Racing bike, repaired after an engine failure yesterday. Colin Edwards was 15th on the Suter-BMW as he and Forward Racing attempt to rectify chatter problems.
MotoGP testing resumes at Sepang on Tuesday 28 February |
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Post time 30-1-2012 10:17 PM
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