Crash.net can reveal that Honda will test its new-for-2007 800cc
MotoGP machine after next month's Japanese Grand Prix at Motegi - not this weekend's Czech Republic Grand Prix at Brno.
To date, only Ducati has publicly unveiled its 800cc machine, but the post Brno tests are rumoured to see several manufacturers hand their reduced capacity prototypes to the race teams. However, a Repsol Honda Team spokesman told
Crash.net that Honda will wait until after its home Japanese Grand Prix on September 24.
Honda's decision to concentrate on development of the existing 990cc machines could well be influenced by its strong position in the championship standings: After the pain of losing to
Valentino Rossi and Yamaha for the past two seasons, Repsol Honda's
Nicky Hayden holds a commanding 34 point championship lead over rookie team-mate
Dani Pedrosa with six rounds to go.
With the first non-Honda rider, Rossi, currently fourth in the championship and 51 points from the top, it would be a disaster if HRC let the 2006 riders' crown slip away in the closing stages of the season. By contrast, with Rossi's title chances appearing slim, Yamaha might decide to switch more of its attention to the 800 in preparation for the 2007 title battle.
