Three-Day Honda MotoGP Test
Since the signed HRC riders (Casey Stoner, Dani Pedrosa, Andrea Dovizioso) are not able to pilot their Honda machines during the winter break (MotoGP regulations), test rider Kousuke Akiyoshi was on track with special-guest Jonathan Rea.
Rea, who competes in World Superbike with the Ten Kate Honda team, had his very first outing on MotoGP machinery on Tuesday as part of three-day test.
When the tests was complete, Rea had completed 51 laps at Sepang aboard the MotoGP Honda RC212V.
Jonathan Rea says: "Today I had great fun learning a MotoGP bike and the Sepang circuit is impressive! Since entering World Superbike in 2009 on the CBR1000RR, Rea has a total of six race victories and 18 podium finishes.
The Honda MotoGP tests continue Wednesday at Sepang.
HRC MotoGP test session Sepang Malaysia. Opening day of three-day test
The HRC R&D Team began a three-day test session at the Sepang circuit, Malaysia today in preparation for the 2011 MotoGP season.
Alongside HRC test rider, Kousuke Akiyoshi, who is continuing the development of the RCV212, HRC also invited Jonathan Rea, the Honda Ten Kate World Superbike Team rider to join the test.
Jonathan Rea made his very first ride on a "MotoGP" machine today and HRC is pleased to give him the possibility to test ride the RCV212 for the first time.
Jonathan Rea:
"Today I had great fun learning a "MotoGP" bike and the Sepang circuit is impressive!
Still recovering from injuries sustained at Imola, Northern Irishman helps with RC212V testing at Sepang
Hannspree Ten Kate Honda rider Jonathan Rea was invited by HRC to help with development testing of the RC212V MotoGP machine at a three-day test at the Sepang circuit in Malaysia, and he came away impressed after the first day. Unlike the contracted MotoGP riders who are forbidden from testing until the upcoming February tests at the Sepang circuit, the manufacturers are still allowed to do some development work with test riders whenever possible.