The test at Sepang last week was the sole time LCR Honda competitor Randy de Puniet took to the circuit on the 2010 version of the RC212V prototype, the feedback from the squad confirmed much important data was received.

De Puniet worked on the fresh machine along with a variety of settings, including chassis and suspension modifications.

LCR Honda Team Manager Lucio Cecchinello gives his ideas on the new engine after Sepang.

“It has been a positive development that Honda has changed their policy. We have a bike that is completely new and we are working a lot because it is more complicated than last season,” begins Cecchinello.

“The bike is a work of art; it is very meticulous in every detail and has many possibilities for adjustment. It has a new software management programme for the traction control system and another set of parameters for fuel consumption etc, which are also types of software that are actually very complicated. I think that the engineers will have fun!”

Cecchinello adds: “The bike is very different, because it is shorter and the weight distribution is different. It has transferred much of the weight to the rear to gain traction, and the centre of gravity is also higher. Right now it is giving us a lot of work because we must find the correct setting for Randy.”

The next test is due on February 24-26 at Sepang once more, Cecchinello and his squad have much to do in between.

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Bridgestone tyres have had the exact same specifications as previously used in the Malaysian Grand Prix last season, giving the squads a guaranteed entity to aid their setting up works at testing time in Sepang.

In wet and dry conditions, competitors have gained the opportunity to add valuable data on slick and hard compound tyres. Many racers began their dry test with the softer of the slick wheel compounds, however the harder option was favoured as it gained more durability during circuit temperatures at a high of 55°C.

The test was also an imperative chance for Bridgestone to liaise with all the new squads and racers that are participating this season.

The part of Bridgestone’s engineers is crucial this year with the pre-season testing being reduced to only six days. They play a significant role is choosing the best suited tyre compounds and locating optimum setting up per bike as soon as possible, particularly to rookie racers who have limited knowledge of competing with Bridgestone tyres in the premier session.

Tohru Ubukata – Manager, Bridgestone Motorcycle Tyre Development Department states, “I am pleased with the way the test has gone from a tyre perspective, both in terms of outright performance and durability. We can see that our tyres are still suitable for all the manufacturers’ new bikes, and Jorge (Lorenzo) completed a race distance at the end of the final day with consistent times throughout so this is good.”

“We specifically chose to use the same tyre specifications as selected for last year’s Grand Prix to assist the teams in setting up their new bikes by keeping the tyres constant, therefore making their existing data more valid.

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Dani Pedrosa and Andrea Dovizioso were very happy after the testing of the 2010 MotoGP last Friday, with each competitor satisfied with the achievements that followed.

Pedrosa ended the second and last day of testing as the fourth fastest racer on the RC212V. The Spaniard took advantage of the wet weather to test his fresh engine, with a modified electronics package.

“We got through a lot more testing today and I can say that we improved significantly - and that’s important in terms of finding a good direction to follow,” says Pedrosa, with a best lap of 2’01.822. “We were working mainly on the rear suspension and we’ve managed to collect a lot of data that should help us for the next test here in two weeks’ time. We were also testing swingarms and at the end of the day I could feel the improvements, and so I’m happy about that.”

He adds: “Yesterday (Thursday) it took me longer to get into a rhythm on the machine because it was the first day back in the saddle, but today it was much better - though I’m not at 100% yet. To have the second test here in just two weeks is really good for us. I haven’t asked for new parts because me and the team think it’s better to analyse what we’ve found here and focus on that. I’m going home satisfied.”

Dovizioso added to the detailed testing regime which was designed to modify settings for this season’s machine, his main focus on suspension set up. The Italian stated the electronics have had improvement in many parts of the RC212V’s performance.

“I leave Sepang feeling positive and I’m confident for the next test because we have clear ideas about the direction we have to follow,” states Dovizioso, with a best lap of 2’02.272. “Today we worked on the suspension and tested some set-up options - with positive results. I’m happy because, thanks to the electronics, the package has improved in all aspects - but there is still a job to do.”

He continues: “In particular we need to take another step forward regarding the balance.

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A hectic initial day of testing for the official MotoGP competitors finsihed at the Sepang International Circuit on Thursday, as work on this season's prototypes continues.

Fiat Yamaha’s Valentino Rossi claimed the quickest time of the track out of 17 racers, the Doctor’s time of 2’01.411 on the fresh M1 was only just under a second off the pace (2’00.518) which gave him pole spot last year at the circuit.

Casey Stoner’s Ducati Desmosedici GP10 was cleared by a gap of 0.491s, as the Aussie gave 42 laps altogether. The Ducati Marlboro squad are testing clean fresh forks and two fairings, both were used in the last four events of 2009.

Colin Edwards was happy with his session on the M1 of the Monster Yamaha Tech3 squad. The American was the third and last racer to come in under the 2’02 mark, with a best time of 2’01.932.

The initial rider out on circuit for the day ahead was Loris Capirossi, who arrived at 9.07am. The Italian came in as the fourth fastest lap of day one, his 58 laps gave a time of 2’02.102. The Suzuki squad has three chassis's to test for the competitor, while the new motor will be due at the following Sepang test at the end of February.

Jorge Lorenzo turned 57 laps to set a time of 2’02.165, he also raced the new M1. He ended the day with a 0.754s gap to colleague Rossi.

Repsol Honda are testing their fresh bike with some amendments to the chassis. Their motor, which has been enhanced for better endurance, and new electrics are being trialled by Andrea Dovizioso and Dani Pedrosa, they arrived sixth and eighth respectively. The Italian was 0.465s after Lorenzo, with Ducati Marlboro’s Nicky Hayden in seventh spot with 2’02.792.

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