The final day of Honda’s private test at Sepang was cut short by the return of rain showers, but Marc Marquez was still able to continue to get even more comfortable with his RC213V and today was able to complete 41 laps, even attempting a race simulation of 10 laps.
The Repsol Honda rookie’s best lap today was 2’01″560, about two tenth’s slower than yesterday’s 2′01″335 (it wasn’t released whether he was on a hard or soft tire and on which version of the RC213V).
Alvaro Bautista, like Marquez was faster on day 2 and today posted a 2’02”150 lap as the Gresini team decided after three days of comparison testing – both in wet and dry conditions – to stick with Showa suspensions next season.
“At the beginning of the day the track was slightly wet from last night’s rain, the same as yesterday morning, so we didn’t go on track until 11.
45am.
We tested many things today, we knew that some wouldn’t work but it gives us an idea and direction for the testing here in February next year.
In the end I am very happy because my lap time was pretty constant and I feel a good rhythm on the bike now.
We planned a long run at the end of the day but then the rain arrived again around 4.
30pm.
Physically, I’m happy – for sure I need to do some work now in the winter to arrive at the next test stronger and fitter but in general I feel good, even on the longer run of 10 laps today, the lap time was consistent and I felt strong.
It’s been a good test and I feel we have improved each day, now we must wait a few months until we are back here with everyone else!” commented Marquez.
“We have done a lot of work over the past three days despite the bizarre weather, which only relented for a day, and the less than perfect track conditions,” said Bautista.
“I have completed 110 laps altogether and now we have a clearer idea of the direction we need to take in the first preseason tests of 2013.
I am satisfied and feel I am heading home safe in the knowledge that next season promises some good results for our team.
”Lap times over the three days:Day 1 : Marquez 2.
03.
650 – Bautista 2.
02.
190Day 2 : Marquez 2.
01.
335 – Bautista 2.
01.
950Day 3 : Marquez 2.
01.
560 – Bautista 2.
02.
150