MotoGP world champion Nicky Hayden has warned Honda that it needs to extract more power, and speed, from its new-for-2007 800cc racer if they are to 'stay in touch' with their rivals.
Hayden finished the three-day Sepang test as the leading RC212V rider, but was behind both Rizla Suzukis and the factory Yamaha of Colin Edwards. The Kentuckian was a worrying 1.64secs behind fastest of all John Hopkins and 0.85secs behind Edwards, who was making his 800cc debut at the test.
"We definitely need to find more power and speed to stay in touch with our rivals, but I'm confident that Honda and the guys in my team will find that before I test the bike again," stated Nicky.
Hayden tested various chassis and suspension parts and settings during 70 dry Friday laps, starting with different front and rear suspension adjustments and with the steering head raised slightly. The front suspension changes were of no distinct advantage but the 25-year-old felt happier with the rear end feel.
"We learned a lot about the bike at this test and I'm beginning to understand it better," he said. "We went through a lot of stuff here and today I tried some suspension changes and improved the rear which made it a little better than yesterday - we have good traction now. We also raised the front end a bit but that didn't give me what I needed it to so we went back to the original setting."
Once comfortable with his base settings, Hayden began testing for Michelin, evaluating new tyres designed specifically for the 800cc machine, which is easier on tyres than its 990cc predecessor. He tried a selection of fronts and rears, giving the Michelin technicians valuable feedback to aid their development work. When the predicted rain arrived late in the afternoon, Hayden was able to get his first taste of the RC212V in wet conditions, completing 17 further laps.
"In the afternoon we concentrated on testing tyres for Michelin - all sorts of stuff, different constructions and compounds, and found a front I like," said Hayden. "When the rain came I went out on wet tyres and it was productive because Michelin gave me a front tyre that worked well in the wet."
Hayden will now hope that Honda can find the desired power improvements in time for the final test of 2006, at Jerez from November 28-30, when he will be joined by team-mate Dani Pedrosa - who missed the Sepang test due to arm surgery.
