Rea tests out MotoGP Honda
Added on Thursday, December 16th, 2010 by Carole Nash Editor
Rea tests out MotoGP Honda
Honda Racing’s Research and Development team began a three-day test in Sepang yesterday as they prepare a three-pronged attack on the MotoGP title in 2011.
Alongside HRC test rider, Kousuke Akiyoshi, who is continuing the development of the RCV212, HRC also invited Ten Kate World Superbike rider Jonathan Rea to join the test, with the Northern Irishman making his first ever outing on MotoGP machinery.
After having adjusted the riding position on the RC212V to suit his stature, the 23 went on track alongside his Suzuka 8-hour team-mate Akiyoshi.
Akiyoshi and Rea made the most of the warm weather in Malaysia to complete almost full day’s work with the Honda RC212V, stopping for just one hour due to a short rain shower.
“Today I had great fun learning a MotoGP bike and the Sepang circuit is impressive,” said Rea. “My body is still not 100% and this is a pity, but I had a very good day with the HRC test team.
“I spent almost all my career on production derived bikes, I just rode a 125 GP a few years ago, and today I had a good feeling riding the Honda RCV212. The bike feels very powerful, the engine revs higher than my CBR1000R and it is easy to change direction. I’d like to thank HRC and Honda Europe for this opportunity. I am looking forward for the next two days of testing.”
