Lorenzo quickest in Valencia test
MotoGP world champion Jorge Lorenzo set the pace on the opening day of post-season testing at the Valencia circuit on Tuesday
The Yamaha rider, sporting the #1 on his bike for the first time, went nearly a second quicker than his closest rival, who was his own new team-mate Ben Spies.
Lorenzo tested the new M1 bike and completed 38 laps of the Ricardo Tormo circuit.
"Today we tried the new chassis on the 2011 M1 which felt good, although it is still to early to say too much about it," he said. "We also tried the new Ohlins suspension which felt better to me on the track. The new engine seems to have less wheelie but we will see more tomorrow in the next session."
American Spies had a very positive first day as works rider, managing 42 laps on his way to second place.
"For the first day of testing I'm super happy with the team, a lot of things are new including obviously riding the prototype bike," said Spies. "There are a lot of subtle changes from last year so I spent some time getting used to it along with working with a new Japanese engineer who is very, very good.
"I had a couple of new mechanics who were learning the ropes as well so it was a lot of learning today. I'm really happy, I can feel the potential of the bike and I think there's quite a bit more to come."
Andrea Dovizioso was third fastest and the quickest of the Honda riders, finishing ahead of Casey Stoner, who made his debut with he Japanese squad after leaving Ducati.
The Australian outpaced team-mate Dani Pedrosa, who completed the top five from Colin Edwards and Marco Simoncelli.
Valentino Rossi caught the attention of the Spanish circuit when he jumped onto the track for the first time with the Ducati, the Italian riding a black bike with the usual #46 on it.
Rossi finished down in eighth position, with team-mate Nicky Hayden in ninth and Hector Barbera completing the top ten.
The test continues tomorrow.
Pos Rider Time Laps 1. Jorge Lorenzo Yamaha 1m32.012s 38 2. Ben Spies Yamaha 1m32.878s + 0.866s 42 3. Andrea Dovizioso Honda 1m33.190s + 1.178s 35 4. Casey Stoner Honda 1m33.261s + 1.249s 27 5. Dani Pedrosa Honda 1m33.336s + 1.324s 26 6. Colin Edwards Tech 3 Yamaha 1m33.513s + 1.501s 49 7. Marco Simoncelli Gresini Honda 1m33.578s + 1.566s 39 8. Valentino Rossi Ducati 1m33.882s + 1.870s 46 9. Alvaro Bautista Suzuki 1m33.921s + 1.909s 39 10. Nicky Hayden Ducati 1m33.998s + 1.986s 35 11. Hector Barbera Aspar Ducati 1m34.110s + 2.098s 54 12. Randy de Puniet Pramac Ducati 1m34.142s + 2.130s 45 13. Hiroshi Aoyama Gresini Honda 1m34.181s + 2.169s 49 14. Loris Capirossi Pramac Ducati 1m34.631s + 2.619s 53 15. Cal Crutchlow Tech 3 Yamaha 1m34.924s + 2.912s 40 16. Toni Elias LCR Honda 1m35.808s + 3.796s 45 17. Karel Abraham Cardion AB Ducati 1m37.434s + 5.422s 30
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