2012 MotoGP Test
The Yamaha Factory Racing duo of Jorge Lorenzo and Ben Spies wrapped up the three-day Sepang I MotoGP test Thursday, getting much work done on the YZR-M1.
Throughout the test, the Yamaha team focused on balancing the chassis and improving electronics to optimize horsepower. Lorenzo and Spies also experimenting with new Bridgestone tire compounds.
On the final day of testing, Lorenzo took the second fastest time, 0.59 of a second behind Repsol Honda’s Casey Stoner.
Spies finished fourth fastest, 0.88 behind Stoner and 0.32 ahead of Ducati Team’s Valentino Rossi.
Jorge Lorenzo (Yamaha Factory Racing YZR-M1 MotoGP) says: "I’m really, really satisfied, I have improved on my best record here in Sepang. We tried a lot of things; some have been a lot better, especially one major improvement.
"We also know where we have to improve in the future. The electronics are not perfect yet, we still need to make it smoother but the bike has so much potential we are very optimistic. The Yamaha engineers have worked really hard so they have done a good job. I made my best time today at midday which is the hardest time with the conditions so it was pretty good. Let’s see what we can do when we come back."
Ben Spies (Yamaha Factory Racing YZR-M1) says: "It’s been a good test, we’ve got a lot of things accomplished, we’re definitely moving in the right direction with my bike. I tried the Yamaha test rider’s bike today which had a slightly different set up to make a fair comparison with mine. I made a small mistake, losing the front but that’s testing; it can happen when you’re working out the good and bad! All in all it’s been great and I’m really happy and looking forward to coming back and seeing what’s new."
Lorenzo will now return to Spain, and Spies to the USA. The next testing period arrives Feb. 28-March 1 at Sepang.
