MotoGP news

Nakano makes big step forward in Qatar

Shinya Nakano and his Konica Minolta Honda team began their important three-day test at the Losail circuit in Qatar today. With less than a month to go before the opening round of the 2007 MotoGP championship, it's vital that the team and Nakano learn as much as they can about their new 800cc Honda RC212V before the season begins here on 10th March.

On this opening day, the 29-year-old Japanese rider began the work of refining the overall set-up of his V4 Honda in search of a fast lap time.

Taking advantage of a good track surface, Shinya completed 64 laps in total setting a best time of 1.57.850. Work concentrated on the rear suspension settings as well as making front and rear geometry changes as the Team refined the overall set-up of the 800cc bike. By the end of the day Nakano was out testing new Michelin tyres, work which will continue tomorrow.

Shinya Nakano said about today's work: "At this time of year in Qatar the temperature is just perfect for testing. Furthermore, we need to thank the Superbike riders who were here up until yesterday for the condition of the track, as it was very good and clean from sand. Thank you!"

"We started today using the settings we found in Phillip Island as a base and continued testing small adjustments to the bike many of the changes made the new Honda RC212V feel better and better. We concentrated on the overall geometry of the bike to try and improve handling still further. Tomorrow we will spend our time testing different Michelin tyres and at the end of the test we will go for that fast lap!"

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