MotoGP 2003 - Sepang Test - Day 1

The Christmas and New Year holidays are well and truly over and it's back to work for the Repsol Honda MotoGP Championship team as they prepare for the 2003 season. Team riders Valentino Rossi, the reigning MotoGP World Champion, and American Superbike Champion Nicky Hayden, completed day one of the three day Honda winter test at the 5.548km Sepang circuit, Malaysia, today.

Champion Rossi spent the day evaluating the braking performance of his RC211V five-cylinder, 990cc four-stroke, while 2003 MotoGP debutante Hayden made his acquaintance with the fast grand prix circuit.

Valentino Rossi: "Today we did only 23 laps. We only have one bike and started with the set up we had at the GP in Sepang last year. We concentrated on braking today and the transmission performance while under braking. But if I need adjustments made it's difficult with only one bike, I have to wait while the mechanics get it ready. This afternoon when we came in to make changes it was dry, when the bike was ready it was raining. So we decided to stop. This is just the first day and we hope for a full days testing tomorrow."

Nicky Hayden: "This is another good chance for me to get in some training on the bike. This is my first time at Sepang and I like it, it's a real GP circuit, fast and safe. I didn't push so hard today I just concentrated on finding a set up for the circuit and trying to find a good rhythm out there. I need the experience."

Repsol Honda rider lap times Sepang January 20, 2003.

Valentino Rossi, ITA Repsol Honda 2m 05.76s - 23 laps.
Nicky Hayden, USA Repsol Honda 2m 07.76s - 58 laps.