2010 v 2011 - Simoncelli biggest improver?

The following list shows the difference in the fastest race lap by each rider at the 2010 and 2011 Qatar Grands Prix.

The list includes the eleven riders that set competitive race laps in both events.

Gresini's Marco Simoncelli, who has a full factory Honda this season, made the biggest improvement, although Repsol Honda's Dani Pedrosa - who struggled with handling problems at the 2010 event - also gained significantly.

- means the rider was quicker in 2011 and + means they were slower...

Qatar fastest race lap: 2010 v 2011Rider (2010 bike-2011 bike) Time Difference
1.Marco Simoncelli (Honda-Honda) - 1.248sec
2.Dani Pedrosa (Honda-Honda) - 1.006sec
3.Hector Barbera (Ducati-Ducati) - 0.566
4.Andrea Dovizioso (Honda-Honda) -0.320sec
5.Jorge Lorenzo (Yamaha-Yamaha) - 0.312sec
6.Ben Spies (Yamaha-Yamaha) - 0.275sec
7.Hiroshi Aoyama (Honda-Honda) - 0.184sec
8.Casey Stoner (Ducati-Honda) - 0.171sec
9.Colin Edwards (Yamaha-Yamaha) - 0.141sec
10.Valentino Rossi (Yamaha-Ducati) + 0.010sec
11.Nicky Hayden (Ducati-Ducati) + 0.438sec