Honda to run last year's bike in practice

The Japanese squad have brought some of last year's bikes to Qatar in an attempt to keep up with the pace of the 'privateer' 2007 specification machines that have gone so well in recent testing.

Crates arrived today at the Losail circuit and the team are going to run with one of each bike to start tomorrow evening when the first practice session gets underway.

Honda have looked unable to match the pace of rivals Ducati during winter testing, with Yamaha also showing promising pace.

Spanish rider Dani Pedrosa said the decision to bring the old bikes had been taken by the team.

"At the moment we need to compare, that is why two bikes are here," the Spaniard said.

The mechanics have been rebuilding the bikes that were used last year, and have had to ask some of the privateer teams for some parts or tools to enable them to construct the bikes for tomorrow.

Under current rules, MotoGP teams can scrutineer more than two bikes.