MotoGP: Frenchman working on setup and tyre adaptation in first test of 2009.

LCR Honda rider Randy de Puniet was under instructions to take things easy in the first test of 2009, and ended the first day in Sepang satisfied with his work. The Frenchman’s fastest lap was a 2’04.882 turn of the Malaysian track, with the Honda satellite man happy with the general direction taken ahead of a further two days of riding. His efforts were focused mainly on a new setup and work with Bridgestone tyres.

Randy de Puniet: 15th - 2’04.882

“It was very hard opening day but I feel quite satisfied. I came in this morning focused only on the new bike set up because the lap time was not my main target. We had a lot of things to adjust: suspension, tyres and so on. At the beginning I struggled a bit with the engine brake but my crew found the solution and I could ride as I like. The tyres are working well but there’s a lot of work to do yet. However this first outing was very productive for us and we’ll keep on working on the base set up to make the bike more suitable to my riding style”.