Casey Stoner and Dani Pedrosa were scheduled to test the 2012 Honda prototype today in Jerez, but Pedrosa's accident at Le Mans caused just one rider to take to the track. Stoner and one of the Honda test riders took to the track instead.
Kousuki Akiyoshi and Shinichi, HRC's test riders, have been testing the new Honda machine for the last few months, but today it time for Stoner to give his thoughts.
Honda, like many of the manufacturers in the MotoGP, are developing their racing bikes to comply with the new MotoGP rules that will go into effect next year. In 2012, the MotoGP will use 1000cc motorcycles with a maximum bore of 81mm and a maximum of f cylinders.
Each manufacturer has been given 8 days of testing during the season with their professional riders to perfect their motorcycles for 2012.
"Everything has gone very well, very positive,” Stoner said. “It's just nice to ride the 1000cc again, to feel the engine and the power. I had a lot of fun.
“The biggest disappointment is that Dani is not going be here to test as he is important to the development of this bike.”
Pedrosa consulted with his doctors today, and will decide soon if he is going to have surgery to fix the fracture in his collarbone. No decision has been made yet, but Honda released a statement earlier today saying that Pedrosa was questionable for the next MotoGP round at Catalunya.
