Simoncelli second fastest at MotoGP test

Marco Simoncelli completed 83 laps with the best of them a 1’47.422 while testing trying various electronic settings, a new swingarm and trying to determin the decline of grip he experienced in Sunday’s race. Track conditions were the similar to Sunday, though the temperature was about 10 degrees lower than that recorded during the race, but the team was still been able to draw useful information - constructive work in view of next round at Sachsenring.

Hiroshi Aoyama also had a positive test, working on regaining feeling with the RC212V and bothered less than Sunday by physical problems due to the fall in Assen.

Marco Simoncelli:
"I am really tired. We worked a lot but it was worth it. It was a very important day especially because in the race we had some problems with rear grip, and today we figured out why, so now we know what to do in similar conditions. We tried a new swingarm that is better for grip, some tests with a new shock have been good, plus we also had good results from some tests with the electronics and engine braking for more stability under braking. We tried a front fork but in this case we need to do further tests at Sachsenring. At the end I was still fast, and though I didn’t think it was possible to turn 1:47 at Mugello, I did. Basically doing 83 laps is like doing 4 races in a row. I am tired but happy."

Hiroshi Aoyama:
“It was a very long day but a positive one because we had the opportunity to try different settings. With the changes made, I felt great and I was able to improve on the lap times I did over the weekend. I'm happy and I hope to continue on this road at Sachsenring”

San Carlo Honda Gresini press release.