Honda to introduce new engine and chassis at Laguna Seca MotoGP race

On the back of the recent Mugello test, to which it brought a new chassis originally intended for use in 2013, Honda has elected to supply Dani Pedrosa with a new engine and chassis alongside his standard bike, as the Spaniard requested.

Casey Stoner meanwhile was less impressed with Honda's new chassis, and will consequently receive a new engine but keep his 2012 frames.

Pedrosa, who currently heads Stoner by 18 points, said he was hopeful that they would be able to take advantage of Honda's efforts.

"I'm really looking forward to racing in Laguna Seca. Honda has made a big effort to bring the new parts to Laguna so we'll have our standard bike but we'll also get the new engine and chassis we tested in Mugello and I hope we can take advantage of these improvements and have another good race," he said.

"Laguna is very small, bumpy and technical - it's a very particular track, nothing like what we are used to in Europe. Last year it was a very hard race for me due to the lack of fitness, so I hope to enjoy riding there again as we did in the past."

Stoner, who beat Yamaha's Jorge Lorenzo to victory in last year's race, said Laguna Seca's configuration could help bolster the effect of Honda's improvements.

"I always look forward to going to Laguna, it's a circuit we've enjoyed quite good results at and the atmosphere there is fantastic," he said.

"It's definitely a positive that it goes around to the left, as we have less chatter on the left hand side.

"HRC have worked hard in Japan to provide us with the new engine and some parts from the test, hopefully we can have three dry sessions to get some work done and be competitive for Sunday, but we'll have to wait until we get on track."