MotoGP Test: Simoncelli surprises
Surprise leader of the final day as testing comes to an end
MOTOGP OPENED 2011 with a three-day test during which Honda demonstrated a unified strength ahead of the upcoming season.
HRC topped the timesheets on all three-days with Stoner taking Tuesdays fastest, Pedrosa taking the lead the following day, it was unexpectedly Marco Simoncelli who left the first test session of the year on a high with the fastest time around Sepang.
The obvious facts that can be gleamed from the results of the pre-season test for 2011 is that Honda are showing a return of form, closely followed by Yamaha - in blue to celebrate their 50th anniversary - showing that Champion, Jorge Lorenzo and new recruit Ben Spies can maintain Yamaha's pace with the loss of Valentino Rossi.
The Ducati garage showed progress on the final day with Rossi and Hayden showing more promise and moving in and closer to the top 10, hinting that the Italian manufacturer are closing in on a competitive setup on the Desmosedici.
Simoncelli's time of 2:00.757 - was set before lunch and stood till the close of the session.
- Simoncelli M. San Carlo Honda Gresini 02:00.757
- Pedrosa D. Repsol Honda Team +0.013s
- Stoner C. Repsol Honda Team +0.054s
- Lorenzo J. Yamaha Factory Racing +0.088s
- Dovizioso A. Repsol Honda Team +0.188s
- Spies B. Yamaha Factory Racing +0.245s
- Aoyama H. San Carlo Honda Gresini +0.596s
- Hayden N. Ducati Marlboro Team +0.777s
- Edwards C. Monster Yamaha Tech3 +0.894s
- Bautista A. Rizla Suzuki MotoGP +0.930s
- Rossi V. Ducati Marlboro Team +1.085s
