Yamaha riders respond positively to new MotoGP frame in test

Both Lorenzo and Rossi have raced with Yamaha's 2015-style chassis this year, having tried a different frame with a rear-mounted fuel tank during pre-season testing.

Rossi also evaluated it briefly during practice for the Spanish Grand Prix at Jerez in April.

During Monday's test at Barcelona, both tried a new specification M1 frame, and work will continue on Tuesday with Yamaha staying at the circuit for a private test.

Lorenzo, who set the second-fastest time in the year's second in-season test, surmised that it "gave us some positive points that we will test further".

The Spaniard confirmed after the session that his crew chief Ramon Forcada will stay with Yamaha next year and not follow him to Ducati.

Rossi said Yamaha's developments would be "interesting for the rest of the season".

"I tried the new chassis and the first impression was OK," he said.

Both riders could try the new frame during the Dutch TT weekend at Assen later this month.

"The riders used this one day of official testing to try out a new frame, two rear-arm specifications and they also helped develop the front and rear tyres brought by Michelin," Yamaha team director Massimo Meregalli said.

"The initial feedback from the riders on the chassis and the tyres was positive.

"[On Tuesday] we will continue our test programme and the main task is to decide which chassis is better.

"If we conclude that the new frame is better, we might have it ready at the next round in Assen."

MARQUEZ MIXED ON NEW HONDA CHASSIS

Championship leader Marc Marquez also tried a new Honda chassis, in what he felt would be a crunch test.

Team-mate Dani Pedrosa raced with the frame on Sunday on his way to third, but Monday's running was Marquez's first taste of the different specification.

Along with trying different electronics settings, he declared "we've taken a small step forward", but was not entirely convinced with the new chassis.

"With what we've learned, Honda will be able to make their analysis and apply it to the new chassis," he said.

"The chassis that I tested was better in some parts of the track, but in others it isn't entirely suited to my style, so we have to continue working."