Cal Crutchlow dismisses benefit of MotoGP Sepang test

The Sepang circuit has been resurfaced with the profile of several corners - including the final hairpin, which did not impress Formula 1 drivers - also changed since MotoGP's pre-season test in February.

Crutchlow was Honda's representative and the only full-time race rider in a Michelin tyre test at the circuit in early July, but he says the poor track conditions meant he gained little.

"I have a big psychological advantage as long as the track is in the condition it was in when we went there, because it was a disaster!" he joked.

"We were riding four seconds slower than the normal pace and Colin [Edwards, testing for Yamaha] was on my arse.

"The track is a little different because of the changes to the camber, but essentially the corners go the same way and you learn in five laps.

"But the track was really dirty and there was some water coming from it.

"I don't know if they are bringing the same tyres to the race that they brought to this test, but we are already using them [in other grands prix].

"So they are nothing new to everybody else."

While Crutchlow has downplayed the benefits of the test, Michelin says it has given it a base for the final flyaway race.

"The circuit has been resurfaced since we tested there in February with the whole MotoGP field," two-wheel motorsport manager Piero Taramasso said.

"Most of that data is irrelevant as to wear levels and grip consistency, but we did conduct a test there in mid-season so we have had a base to work on in readiness for this weekend."

Defending Sepang winner Dani Pedrosa will miss the grand prix, as expected after breaking his collarbone in Japan.

Honda has again drafted in test rider Hiroshi Aoyama, with Nicky Hayden returning to the World Superbike Championship for that series' Qatar finale.