Konica Minolta hopeful of step forward

The team have not had access to any development parts so far this season, but Honda have provided some updates that it is hoped will deliver improved speed and give Nakano a better feel from the front end.

Giulio Bernardelle, the team's technical director, said: " For back-to-back testing, one machine will have the new parts and we will check the difference between the standard bike and the updated machine.

"My expectation is to see some improvement as the Repsol Honda factory team have tested a lot with these new parts, so HRC know they give improved performance.

"I think these changes will give a better feeling to Shinya, so we hope that this will help his confidence with the front-end of the bike."

Gianluca Montiron, Konica Minolta's team manager, believes that making the most of the new parts would be key to the future of Nakano and the team.

"We have received much support from HRC and Michelin and we trust that in the second part of the season we should have improved performance," he said. "I think that this is the moment that Shinya needs to show his true potential.

"We trust in Shinya's ability and the final races of the season in the next few months will determine our future in MotoGP. Our weekend at Brno will be spent finding our way with these new technical parts.

"From the team side of things it will be very hard work, as we will need to concentrate a lot, as in the short practice time available we need to get the bike right for Shinya ready for the race."