Lai: "The new Honda has convinced me"

Fabrizio Lai has been very satisfied with his first encounter with his new bike. The Italian took part in last week's test at the Valencian circuit of Cheste alongside new teammate Michele Conti, on the Honda which he hopes will bring him success in this year's 125cc World Championship.

"My new Honda has convinced me very quickly. I must admit that I feel decidedly better in the saddle than last year, and that the bike is easier to ride. It seems to lend itself better to my style. The new Ohlins suspension feels good too. Now we have to focus on finetuning the bike from the kit which arrived Japan. It only did so a short time ago, so we're a little behind schedule. The modifications made to the engine are working very well, and we also need to improve the potential. That is something you can never have enough of when the competition is so tight"

The Italian rider hailed his team for their hard work, singling out one member in particular.

"This year I have the opportunity to work with Roberto Bava as technician, someone whom I appreciate and worked with last year. I am sure that he will help ensure that the development is intense and productive"

Lai, who last year earned sixth in the final classification with a total of three podiums, will be back on the track from tomorrow at the Official Catalunya Test.