Yamaha Factory Racing Completes Successful Test
The Yamaha Factory Racing Team completed the first test of the 2012 season at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia. Riders Jorge Lorenzo and Ben Spies spent the three track days working to develop the base set up of the 1000cc YZR-M1 ahead of the second Sepang test in one month’s time.
The riders and engineers focused on the balance of the M1 chassis along with improving the electronics package to gain the optimum performance from the increased horsepower. New Bridgestone tires were also assessed ahead of the upcoming race season. The times from the final session saw Lorenzo slot in as the second fastest rider, 0.59 seconds behind Casey Stoner. Teammate Spies wrapped up in fourth position, 0.88 seconds from first.
The riders will now return to the USA and Spain, respectively, while the engineers return to Japan with the valuable data to make the next steps forward in development. The team will return in four weeks time to test the work done.
The MotoGP teams arrive in Monterey in July for the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix to be held July 27-29. Advance tickets are now on sale.