MotoGP – Sepang Test Day 1 – Positive day for Simoncelli and Aoyama

Positive first day for the Team San Carlo Honda Gresini riders in Sepang where the second MotoGP tests of the season are underway. Many laps (73) and a lot of work for the Japanese Hiroshi Aoyama who carried out several comparative tests with different technical solutions for the set-up of his Honda RC 212V. At the end he also managed to obtain a positive and encouraging chronometric result for the continuation of the intense work that he will have to do in the remaining two days of testing in Malaysia. A lot of substance without looking for time for Marco Simoncelli who also maintained a good pace. Satisfaction for "Super Sic" and his team also in view of the much work planned for tomorrow. The second that separates him from the leaders does not worry him at all as he has not used the soft tire in search of a lap time and he is therefore sure that he is in the right direction to continue to remain among the top of the class in view of the new season.

Marco Simoncelli (8th 2'01″ 996 49 laps) “We have continued from the last tests twenty days ago here in Sepang. The track conditions today were not optimal and in any case I didn't look for the lap time but we engaged in many tests. We tested various set-up and electronics solutions which we will continue to do tomorrow. I'm quite happy because with tires that had twenty laps on I was able to do some interesting pace times around 2' 02". Honestly, we're a bit far from the leaders because we have a gap of a second but I'm still confident because I didn't use the soft tire at all. I repeat, in terms of pace we are not far from the best and so I am happy. ”

Hiroshi Aoyama (7th 2'01″ 939 73 laps) “I did a lot of laps and a lot of work. I did several comparative tests and found a different feeling but in the end I felt much better with the technical parts that I already knew. Tomorrow I will continue to do this work but it is certainly not easy to find a good condition with the new solutions and in any case we will see! In any case, it was an interesting day to understand the direction to take to continue working profitably in the season that is now upon us. ”

Fausto Gresini “.It was a positive day for both riders. Marco tested many technical solutions without looking for chronometric feedback but looking more at the substance, in order to draw the right indications. We are very happy that everything is proceeding in the best direction because we see that Mraco always manages to maintain a very high pace. In the final, Hiroshi also did a great job, trying different set-ups and doing a lot of comparison tests. In conclusion, as the first day of these second tests in Malaysia I am satisfied and I am convinced that for us it will be a season full of positive results.

Gresini Racing team