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Casey Stoner has prepared Honda’s MotoGP effort for this week’s first official pre-season test with his latest hit-out for the Japanese factory.
The Australian completed three days of running at Sepang, Malaysia, ahead of the category-wide test at the same venue, which will get underway on Wednesday.
Having first tasted Honda’s 2015 MotoGP offering last October, Stoner undertook more development work on the bike, including back-to-back comparisons with the championship winning ’14 model.
“Overall it’s been a good test, very positive and we got a lot done,” he said of the test, which was interrupted by weather across all three days.
“On the first day we worked on the base setup and tested some small things before the rain arrived and we had to stop.
“Then on day two I spent a lot of time doing a back-to-back chassis comparison from last year’s bike to this year’s and I also tested different variations of the chassis.
“Brembo brought some new aluminium callipers for us to try and Honda had several other test items which we managed to get through before the rain came once again.
“On the final day we confirmed some feelings from yesterday and tried a few electronic packages as well as some different suspension. “
Stoner also spent time aboard Honda’s CBR1000RR production racer ahead of its showing at the Suzuka 8 Hour.
“Riding the CBR was very different, I’ve never really ridden that kind of bike, the shifting, riding position, engine power, weight characteristic etc was quite difficult and took some getting used to,” he said.
“After a few exits I had more of an understanding and was able to give some feedback. In general it was a lot of fun and I enjoyed being able to feel the rear of the bike step out.”
Spaniards Marc Marquez and Dani Pedrosa will again spearhead Honda’s factory MotoGP assault this season.
Marquez is aiming for a third straight crown having won both titles since replacing Stoner in the squad for the 2013 season.
