Pedrosa ends Sepang test with second-fastest laptime overall

Honda riders swept the top three overall spots and four of the top five at the conclusion of the first three-day test of the year at the sultry Sepang Circuit in Malaysia.

For the third day in a row a different Honda rider led the charge. Today it was Marco Simoncelli (San Carlo Honda Gresini RC212V), who was not only the fastest rider on the day, but fastest overall. Pedrosa was sixth on the day, but second overall in a test that ended with the top riders separated by barely perceptible margins. Pedrosa’s lap of 2m 0770s from Wednesday stood up as the second fastest time. The 2010 MotoGP World Championship runner-up finished Thursday with the sixth fastest time, but only 0.239s off Simoncelli’s pace.

The Spaniard had arrived in Malaysia concerned with the recovering health of his left collarbone and arm. Pedrosa suffered a double fracture of the collarbone in practice for last year’s Japanese Grand Prix in Motegi and continues to regain strength. The durability of the shoulder and arm wasn’t an issue, with Pedrosa completing a 12-lap run to check his fitness level.

Dani Pedrosa (Repsol Honda RC212V): 6th, 2m, 1.241s
“I am very, very happy about how the test went in general. The best news we could have is that recovery of the arm has been effective and cramps have disappeared and the lack of power which had me so worried. This afternoon we did a long run of 12 laps and we have done well. As for the work on the bike, I am also satisfied. We tried many things, step by step, and we leave Malaysia with clear ideas regarding suspension and some more things to confirm about chassis and engine when we come back here. I have concentrated more on the 2010 machine, and the second test we will have more time to test this year’s bike. Ohlins also will bring some new parts that can still improve the package. For me, the most important step we have given is in terms of stability on braking, which was one of the things we wanted.”

Source: Honda Racing