RACE STUFF THREAD

Another writeup of the test http://superbikeplanet.com/2010/Feb/100226b.htm

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Edwards and Spies shine in Sepang sauna

The Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team concluded the second of three 2010 pre-season tests in Sepang today in confident mood after Colin Edwards and Ben Spies both finished in the top five on the timesheets.

In searing hot temperatures that peaked at an exhausting 37 degrees, Edwards rode his 2010 YZR-M1 machine to the fourth fastest time, the experienced American finishing with a best lap of 2.00.988.

After completing 35-laps, Edwards declared himself delighted with his performance after he made significant progress in improving electronics and handling with his YZR-M1 machine. He was also happy with the performance of a new Bridgestone rear tyre he evaluated this afternoon to finish just under 0.3s away from a top three finish.

Spies once again proved what a phenomenally fast learner he is after posting a series of consistently competitive lap times on only his second visit to the long and technical Sepang circuit.

A best lap of 2.01.014 was just 0.026s slower than Edwards and the reigning World Superbike champion was able to significantly reduce the gap between himself and the best time clocked by Valentino Rossi to just over 0.7s.

Spies was also able to showcase his prowess on worn race tyres when he completed a long distance run today, the 25-year-old reeling off consistent and fast laps in the 2.01 bracket.

The Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team concludes its pre-season preparations in Qatar next month ahead of the first race under the floodlights at the Losail International Circuit on April 11.

Colin Edwards 4th 2.00.988 - 35 laps

"It felt really hot out there today and I don't think anybody was going to do a lot of laps in those conditions. I did 35 laps and all of them were productive and I'm leaving this test really happy. I worked on the electronics and a bit of suspension work today and I was happy with the new Bridgestone rear tyre. We did full race distance on it in the middle of the day when it was really hot and I was still doing 2.02s on the last lap. So it really keeps a good level of grip for a long time. I feel ready to race right now. We've got the bike sorted out and the last test in Qatar should be another positive test to set us up nicely for the first race. We're ready to go because Yamaha has done a fantastic job. Everything they have done has improved the bike and that's a great achievement. I want to thank my guys at Monster Yamaha Tech 3 again for all their hard work and congratulate Ben too. This is a tough track to learn but he's doing a great job and he is impressing a lot of people. We're working really closely together and that is going to be great to help the team have another great year."

Ben Spies 5th 2.01.014 - 44 laps

"It has been a positive test for me again because I have been able to improve my lap time by quite a bit. I'm 0.8s quicker than yesterday so that is a good step in the right direction. I did a race simulation and all my laps were in the 2.01s. I've always felt good at the end of races and I think that is what my strong point has been in the past. In Valencia when I raced the Yamaha for the first time I came on strong at the end. When the tyres go off I feel a little bit better. I didn't quite get to improve on my overall position but I'm convinced I had the speed to get into the high 2s, but I was only able to use one of the softer Bridgestone tyres. But all in all it has been a positive day and the gap to the front has become smaller again."

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STRONG FINISH TO SEPANG TEST BY DUCATI MARLBORO TEAM

The Ducati Marlboro Team completed the second and final day of testing at Sepang, Malaysia, today with both riders extremely satisfied with the performance of their Desmosedici GP10 machines. Casey Stoner and Nicky Hayden were both in highly competitive form today, clocking the second and third fastest times of the session respectively.

Like the rest of the riders the pair used the first three hours of the session, from 10am to 1pm, followed by a further two hours from 4pm to 6pm to do the majority of their set-up work. Slightly cooler temperatures at that time of the day compared to the intense early afternoon heat provided the most suitable conditions.

Casey Stoner (Ducati Marlboro Team) 2nd fastest, 2'00.512 (33 laps)
"When we first went out this morning the track conditions were a huge improvement on yesterday thanks to the slightly cooler temperatures, which meant the track was less slippery. That allowed us to get the best out of the bike and we were able to set some fast times. We started out with the same setting we finished with yesterday, which I already liked, and we changed just a couple of things and were able to immediately set a strong pace. It is just a shame that the red flag came out right after we put the new medium tyre on. I missed out on a few laps because of that but it wasn't a big deal. We are really satisfied with the package we have now and the progress we have made so far. If you ask me I'd say we are starting off from a stronger base than last year so now we'll just have to wait and see if we can get straight on the pace in Qatar."

Nicky Hayden (Ducati Marlboro Team) 3rd fastest, 2'00.703 (42 laps)
"I am obviously really happy because the changes we made yesterday afternoon that enabled me to go a couple of tenths faster despite the heat have proved to work even better today with the track in improved condition. After making small steps for the last few test sessions today we have finally taken a big leap forward and I was able to ride fast. The arm wasn't too bad but it still isn't as strong as before, which I can feel more than anything in the hard braking, and it was hard work today. Anyway, I am recovering well and now we move on from Sepang feeling really happy."

Sepang Circuit Record: Casey Stoner (Ducati - 2007) 2'02.108
Best Pole: Valentino Rossi (Yamaha - 2009), 2'00.518

Unofficial lap times - Friday 26th February

1. Rossi (Yamaha) 2:00.271
2. Stoner(Ducati) 2:00.512
3. Hayden (Ducati) 2:00.703
4. Edwards(Yamaha) 2:00.988
5. Spies (Yamaha) 2:01.014
6. Capirossi (Suzuki) 2:01.320
7. Dovizioso (Honda) 2:01.439
8. Pedrosa (Honda) 2:01.478
9. Aoyama (Honda) 2:01.692
10. Bautista (Suzuki) 2:01.732
11. De Puniet (Honda) 2:01.980
12. Melandri (Honda) 2:02.078
13. Barbera (Ducati) 2:02.080
14. Kallio (Ducati) 2:02.082
15. Espargaro (Ducati) 2:02.367
16. Simoncelli (Honda) 2:03.689

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