MotoGP riders try Argentina's new grand prix venue
LCR Honda's Stefan Bradl was fastest as a small group of MotoGP riders tried the new Termas de Rio Hondo track in Argentina for the first time on Thursday
The venue was originally scheduled to host MotoGP this season, before political issues forced it to be postponed until 2014.
Satellite Honda pair Bradl and Alvaro Bautista (Gresini), Tech 3 Yamaha's Cal Crutchlow, Avintia CRT rider Hector Barbera and Moto2 duo Tito Rabat and Nico Terol are getting two days of running at the circuit while on a promotional tour in Argentina this week.
Bradl led the way with a 1m44.188s lap, 0.343 seconds faster than Bautista, and 0.982s up on Crutchlow.
The Briton was thrilled by Argentina's enthusiasm for MotoGP.
"We have had an absolutely fantastic welcome in Argentina and after seeing the enthusiasm for MotoGP I'm really happy to be finally out on track to demonstrate what a spectacle the fans will see next year," said Crutchlow.
"The new track is very impressive and it is a really a good facility that Argentina can be very proud of.
"The track is still very dirty, so we are just enjoying riding around and learning as much as possible while also feeling the emotion of being one of the first ever to ride a prototype MotoGP bike here.
"It's incredible how many spectators came to welcome us and see us riding."
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