Alex Barros rode for the first time since the Valencia GP back in November last year following surgery on an old shoulder injury over the winter break. The 33-year-old Brazilian, back with Honda after a year with Yamaha in 2003, reacquainted himself with the Honda RC211V he last rode at the end of 2002.

Nicky Hayden, the reigning MotoGP Rookie of the year, got back into action smoothly following the last test here last month.

The pair both rode the new 2004 spec Honda RC211V that sees a revised rear swing arm with re-modeled suspension unit designed to give improved stability and edge grip needed to cope with the extra power resulting from winter engine development.

Nicky Hayden - Best lap 2m03.915 - “A pretty productive day really. We got through what we wanted to test today – a lotta’ laps in this heat. Engine-wise we’re basically the same as we were last month but chassis-wise we’ve definitely had a couple of things to try.

"The rear end is takin’ some time to get used to – a lil’ bit different feel. We’re sort of startin’ from zero – we need to find some base settings and work out which way to go. It took a lil’ time to get sorted and we’ve definitely made some progress in the right direction.

"Obviously I’d like the lap time to be better – more of the same tomorrow but faster. Just gotta’ keep grindin’ away."

Alex Barros - Best lap 2m05.980 - “I was so excited about today I really didn’t sleep much last night. The target is to be 100% ready for the first race in April. At the moment I am still recovering from the shoulder operation and am not fully fit. It was good today because I keep telling myself not to go mad.

"There are many top Honda people here today and they tell me to take it easy. Don’t panic! I haven’t ridden a machine for three months; I really need to make a good ‘warm-up’.

"All the feelings I have on the bike with reference points are completely different to last year. Even though I rode the RCV in 2002 I can make no real comparison. The whole package seems to have increased. The power – the grip – the turning. Everything is a little bit better.

"I have a great feeling about this season – I have ridden for Honda for eight years – this is my ninth and this is the first time in the number one team. I am working with many people I have known for a long time but we have to build this new team to make a really strong package. It won’t happen overnight but I am very confident we make a good foundation."