Casey Stoner continued development work on Honda’s 2013 and 2014 prototype MotoGP bikes in a three-day test at Sugo, Japan, this week.
The hit-out marked the Australian’s first look at the Yamaha-owned 3.7km venue.
Honda described the three days of running as “gruelling”, with rain that had hampered Stoner’s earlier tests this year largely staying away.
Evaluating both a new frame and engine for the prototype program, further development of Honda’s 2014 production bike, which Stoner tasted earlier this month at Motegi, was left to fellow test rider Takumi Takahashi.
“It’s been quite a good three days and we got a lot of track time considering it gets dark and cold here quite quickly,” said Stoner.
“We had a busy test schedule based on the current 2013 bike and an updated version of the 2014 bike.
“Both have some very positive aspects and we’re just trying to get a better understanding of them.
“It was a little tricky to get a true feeling here in Sugo as we had no comparison – with it being the first time we’ve ridden here.
“All in all it was a good test and the first time we’ve not been interrupted by rain.”
Stoner will compete in the final round of V8 Supercars’ Dunlop Series at Homebush in December.
