MotoGP riders say new 2016 electronics 'a step backwards'

The riders and teams got to work with major changes for next year, with Michelin replacing Bridgestone as the series' control tyre supplier and new Magneti Marelli ECU software being introduced.

2015 runner-up Valentino Rossi said: "I tried the new electronics and that, as I expected, was quite a big step because it's like going a little bit into the past.

"However, it could be interesting and it's only the first day, we have a lot to work on."

Factory Honda riders Marc Marquez - who was fastest in the test - and Dani Pedrosa admitted to having a problematic first day with the new electronics.

"The first feeling we have with the electronics is that they are very much in the preliminary stage and certainly a step backwards," said Pedrosa, who like most factory riders started the day on his 2015 machine before switching to the 2016-spec.

"Right now the electronics are still giving us a lot of problems and are difficult to use.

"We have to work hard to understand it and see what parameters we should concentrate on.

"It's also a job for the rider, because you must gain experience in order to understand what you have and what you don't compared to the previous version."

Marquez added: "When we changed to the new software we saw that there is definitely some work ahead for us.

"It's only the first day and we have to adjust many things.

"In order to draw any conclusions we first have to finish setting up the electronics, and when we have a good base, we will be able to evaluate the [2016] engine properly."