Motorcycles and news

Moto GP: Vital first test for Konica MinoltaHonda comes to an end January 25, 2007

Konica MinoltaHonda’s first test of the 2007 season came to a successful end today, following three days of hard work getting used to the new V4 Honda RC212V. A single fast lap was not the main aim of the test. Instead it was to learn more about this all-new machine, which features a different engine layout to its 990cc V5 predecessor, the RC211V. Today Nakano continued to work with his new bike, new team and new Michelin tyres. The 29-year-old Japanese rider was 15th fastest on this final day, during which he tested machine geometry, tyres, the new electronics package on the RC212V and also completed a 20-lap race simulation.

Gianluca Montiron Team Manager Konica Minolta Honda

“With the Honda being a new bike and of V4 configuration and therefore different to the old V5, it’s understandable that we are a little behind some of the other manufacturers, who simply have a machine with the same layout but of a different capacity. With the Honda we have a new engine, chassis and electronics package, so there is much to do. Shinya confirms that this bike is fast so it’s important we have a good Winter test to learn more about the new bike and improve it. We have many different things to test, along with the new 16 inch tyres from Michelin and the characteristics of the tyres is something we have to consider when we are testing the bike. Already we have found that Shinya is a very clever guy as when we make changes he gives us a very clear comment and it is important to have a good idea from our rider as to what to try next so this is very important for the team. Our testing aim is to find the best balance for the start of the season and the first race. With that in mind, the test has been a success.”

Shinya Nakano Rider, Konica MinoltaHonda

“We are still struggling a little bit with chatter from the front-end of the bike, which makes it difficult to keep up good corner speed. This morning it wasn’t so bad, but for some reason in the afternoon we seem to encounter more chatter. We’re not 100% sure why, it could be a change in temperature, but because of this I couldn’t improve my lap time. I’m a little bit disappointed with my final time, but overall I think we all made this a very successful test as I’ve learned much more about the new 800cc bike and the team. Besides, many of those who have gone faster have been here before with the new bikes. For us at this early stage learning how we work together as a team is more important than a quick lap, as is trying to get a base-setting for the new Honda RC212V and getting used to working with everyone at Honda. Next week’s test at Phillip Island should be good for us, we have a base setting that we can take there now so there is a lot we can do over the three days and I’m getting to know the bike better every time I ride it. The track itself is good for learning about a new bike and the weather should be perfect for us at this time of year. For us it’s important to arrive at the first race with a competitive bike, as this year I want to score podiums and then get my first win in Moto GP!”

Yutaka Hirano Head Technician, Konica MinoltaHonda

“During this three-day test we have worked hard to gather as much information about the new RC212V as possible. Today we tested different machine geometry, fork settings, many tyres, the new electronics system and also did 20-lap race simulation. Despite a little problem with chatter, the bike is improving, but we will work hard to solve this problem. On a modern Moto GP bike many things are now controlled by electronics, so learning about the new system we have on the 212V is a very important point. We also tested many tyres today! Again, I think the tyres will be crucial to the new 800cc bike. Testing the bike as a whole is more important than a single fast lap time. Phillip Island next week should be good to improve the bike further and we have much useful data for this test thanks to our three days in Sepang.”