Stoner tests[RC213V]? at Jerez

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With a two week break before the Grand Prix of Catalunya, Honda Racing Corporation today returned to the track in Jerez with French GP winner Casey Stoner aboard the 2012 Honda prototype.



HRC test riders Kosuke Akiyoshi and Shinichi Ito have been testing this machine in April at Suzuka, Japan and it was planned for Repsol Honda Team riders Dani Pedrosa and Casey Stoner to both test in Jerez this week. However, after Pedrosa's accident in Le Mans it was not possible for him to take part and only Stoner has been involved.



Shinichi performed the shake down of the new machine early this morning at the Jerez track, before Casey began his testing schedule at 11am local time in perfect sunny conditions. He completed a total of 50 laps (221km) using the standard 800cc Bridgestone tyres of this season and also the new prototype tyres for 2012.



This early season test will give valuable feedback about the new prototype from the first stages of its development. HRC sent senior mechanics from the Repsol Honda Team to Jerez to work closely with the R&D engineers and Casey Stoner. The new machine is based on the concept of the present RC212V and the experience gained in the last stage of 800cc bikes. HRC started work on this new project in late 2009, when the new regulations for 2012 become official for the MotoGP class, stating a capacity of 1000cc, maximum bore of 81mm and maximum 4 cylinders.



A crucial point with the 1000cc engine will be fuel consumption, as again in 2012 bikes will keep the 21 litre tank as per the 800cc machines. To deal with this issue, Repsol recently sent experts to Japan to develop a specific fuel and lubricant for the new bike and engineers at the Repsol Technology Centre are focusing on a fuel which will not only offer optimum fuel efficiency but also deliver maximum performance.



Each manufacturer has eight days of testing during the season with contracted riders on the 2012 machine. After checking today's data and the weather forecast, HRC will decide whether or not to continue testing tomorrow with Stoner. HRC will then choose how to make the best use of the remaining days left to work on track with the new prototype, hoping Pedrosa recovers soon to also give his feedback on the new machine.



There is no further update on Dani Pedrosa's chosen direction for recovery, he is still evaluating the two options with his doctors, whether to have surgery or let the fracture heal naturally.





CASEY STONER



"Everything has gone very well, very positive. It's just nice to ride the 1000cc again, to feel the engine and the power. I had a lot of fun, I enjoyed the first day because everything we've tried seems to be working, so no complaints. The biggest disappointment is that Dani is not going be here to test as he is important to the development of this bike. I hope that soon HRC can get his input as well because we need as much data as possible, in order to be ready for next season. We didn't focus on anything special today, just tried to understand what the bike is doing, how it reacts on the brakes and things like that, also considering some the issues we have with the 800cc right now. The braking point seems to be stronger, stability in the front going into the corner seems to be very good, and of course we want to understand how the power delivery is, and it is very smooth so no problem. In general, we haven't changed too much from the set up we have on the 800cc right now and the feeling is very similar, so it's pretty good".





SHUHEI NAKAMOTO - HRC EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT



"I think we had a good day of testing, the machine worked well as we hoped, without any specific issues. Of course, it's just the first day so we will need to improve but we tested many things and everything was ok. Casey is happy with a more powerful engine, also drivability was ok and on the chassis side we need to keep progressing. Unfortunately, Dani is not here and it would be better to have both riders' feedback. Casey's comments are very similar to the ones we received from the test riders, and this is good. Hopefully we can get Dani's impressions soon to keep working on the development".

Not only does it hurt Dani not being here, it hurts Honda. Test riders are fine, but getting feedback from 2 of the top 4 riders in the world would have been nice.

good stuff

Rossi managed 30 laps today around silverstone on a road bike cheap skates

Is it just me or does it look small? I wonder how much money it cost to develop your own fuel, I thought they all used the same fuel. It's good to hear all three of the guys who have tested 2012 bikes enjoying the extra power, it's got to be hard to put a smile on any of these guys faces with what they're used to riding.

hawkdriver said:

Is it just me or does it look small? I wonder how much money it cost to develop your own fuel, I thought they all used the same fuel. It's good to hear all three of the guys who have tested 2012 bikes enjoying the extra power, it's got to be hard to put a smile on any of these guys faces with what they're used to riding.

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Good questions. Answers anybody?

hawkdriver said:

Is it just me or does it look small? I wonder how much money it cost to develop your own fuel, I thought they all used the same fuel. It's good to hear all three of the guys who have tested 2012 bikes enjoying the extra power, it's got to be hard to put a smile on any of these guys faces with what they're used to riding.

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chemists make the fuel for GP bikes as far as im aware but not the same kind that makes legal drugs , i think shell make the juice for ducati not sure about other manufacturers.

That cheating whore, testing a bike that is obviously the 2011 bike in disguise.

Who does he think he is, Valentino Rossi?

lmfao I'm sure there are chemist who make the fuel, Rizla most probably supplies Honda and patronas for Yamaha, while poor suzuki sneaks into the other teams' garages late at night and siphons theirs.

suzuki prolly rolls out of the track and fills it them up at a local gas station

Pigeon said:

good stuff

Rossi managed 30 laps today around silverstone on a road bike

cheap skates

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regardless of what he was on, the benefits were immeasurable just to learn the track.

hawkdriver said:

Is it just me or does it look small? I wonder how much money it cost to develop your own fuel, I thought they all used the same fuel. It's good to hear all three of the guys who have tested 2012 bikes enjoying the extra power, it's got to be hard to put a smile on any of these guys faces with what they're used to riding.

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Can't give you a dollar figure on the fuel development but its important enough that Shell have a full-time "Fuel Development Expert" working with Ducati (click on the 'Jorg Landschof' tab):

http://www.shell.com/home/content/motorsport/ducati/shell_technical_partnership/shell_team/



I believe the fuel has to be homologated by the FIM as close enough to what you can get from the pump but there is a little wriggle room for the chemists to play within the specs.

Most important part of the press release is confirmation (in writing) of the 2012 Bridgestone. Tom Tremayne was talking about the new tires at this weekends grand prix, and he revealed that the tire was first tested at Estoril on the Monday after the race. The riders were very happy with the new design. Glad to know that Bridgestone are going to make changes to tires, otherwise, the switch to 1000cc would have been nothing more than a change in the engine note.



Furthermore, I have this overwhelming sense that a tire war is going to return in the near future. Dorna hired Corrado Cecchinelli to help communicate with the MSMA regarding the formula. Also, according to Dennis Noyes, Mike Webb (current Dorna technical director) will become race director went Paul Butler finally steps aside so Dorna may need some consulting help with technical staffing. Anyway, Dorna have also hired Hiroshi Yasukawa who served as Bridgestones race director (all motorsports) to consult with [???].



Perhaps I'm overstepping, but I think that MotoGP is going to create a spec carcass or multiple spec carcasses using non-sensitive established technology, and then the tire manufacturers are going to create compounds to put over top of the carcass. The carcass will also be used for Superbike tires which will see the return of a tire war in Superbike.



That's what I think is going on. Crazy, but something crazy will have to be done b/c no one is happy with the current situation in GP.

Goatboy said:

That cheating whore, testing a bike that is obviously the 2011 bike in disguise.

Who does he think he is, Valentino Rossi?

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then they wonder why their called haters...



Why didn't honda bring Dovi to test too?

I think the other factories will be a little worried that first ride of the bike by someone fast and it seems to be pretty much sorted. If no time is required to fix problems then 100% of development can be spent on going fast.



Stoners comments regarding Pedrosa and his importance in the testing of the new bike show how respectful Stoner is of his team mate and how much of a team player he is. I define anyone to produce a comment from any other top rider where they show genuine interest in their team mates input and contribution to the development of the bike. It is this attitude and the team work that it fosters that will see the Honda be the dominate force in the immediate future. I know some do not like to admit it but it has never been all about Stoner in Stoner's mind. It reminds me of his second year at Ducati when he did not push for more money but preferred that the money was spent on the bike to the benefit of the whole team rather than just his personal coffers.

Come mental, surely they are cheating? He's riding the 800 for sure, look how small it is

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then they wonder why their called haters...



Why didn't honda bring Dovi to test too?

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Dovi is not contracted rider for next year.

Maybe it is the new Moto3 bike!

There need not be any visible differences between a 800cc and a 1000cc bike. 200cc (the capacity of a glass) can be pretty much invisible (think how fast a half pint of beer can disappear)



All top riders so far have liked these bikes better, even with all the current limitations. Pity Pedro could not test it, I wonder if he will also like the additional torque and power of the 1000cc better? That should make riding them even more physically demanding.

Mental Anarchist said:

I think the other factories will be a little worried that first ride of the bike by someone fast and it seems to be pretty much sorted. If no time is required to fix problems then 100% of development can be spent on going fast.



Stoners comments regarding Pedrosa and his importance in the testing of the new bike show how respectful Stoner is of his team mate and how much of a team player he is. I define anyone to produce a comment from any other top rider where they show genuine interest in their team mates input and contribution to the development of the bike. It is this attitude and the team work that it fosters that will see the Honda be the dominate force in the immediate future. I know some do not like to admit it but it has never been all about Stoner in Stoner's mind. It reminds me of his second year at Ducati when he did not push for more money but preferred that the money was spent on the bike to the benefit of the whole team rather than just his personal coffers.

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If this was said by one Mr. Rossi, then most in the forum would have erupted saying how he is using Pedrobot as a test mule (just joking)

Mental Anarchist said:

I think the other factories will be a little worried that first ride of the bike by someone fast and it seems to be pretty much sorted. If no time is required to fix problems then 100% of development can be spent on going fast.



Stoners comments regarding Pedrosa and his importance in the testing of the new bike show how respectful Stoner is of his team mate and how much of a team player he is. I define anyone to produce a comment from any other top rider where they show genuine interest in their team mates input and contribution to the development of the bike. It is this attitude and the team work that it fosters that will see the Honda be the dominate force in the immediate future. I know some do not like to admit it but it has never been all about Stoner in Stoner's mind. It reminds me of his second year at Ducati when he did not push for more money but preferred that the money was spent on the bike to the benefit of the whole team rather than just his personal coffers.

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Being a team player is certainly one of his stronger positive attributes and he does seem to receive very little credit for it.



I hope Pedro gets to throw a leg over the beast sooner rather than later as they are both adding a great deal of valuable input into developing what is now clearly the best bike in the paddock.



I have always thought that given the right team structure, resources and having a factory that will listen to and value his input, the criticism of Stoner regarding his development abilities would be revealed for what it truly is.....a myth. You can bet a few individuals with FBS (Fervent Bopperism Syndrome) will credit this development to Pedrosa alone....when in reality it is of course an entire team effort involving riders, test riders, engineers and mechanics with sufficient resources behind them that enable the development of a fast motorcycle.....if Stoner is able to lift the trophy at the end of this season you can bet those same individuals will be crediting the motorcycle and not the rider with a world championship rather than seeing the bigger picture.