Nicky Hayden was back on track in Spain on Tuesday as the Repsol Honda Team completed a second day of testing at the Montmelo circuit, scene of Sunday’s Grand Prix of Catalunya. The World Champion put in a further 107 laps using the latest modifications to the chassis of his RC212V and once again increased his pace at the 4.727km (2.937-mile) circuit. Hayden’s best time on race tyres today, a lap of 1m 42.4s, was the fastest of any rider on race tyres over the two days of the test. The lap eclipsed the 25-year-old American’s own 1m 43.048s race lap record at Montmelo, set in 2006, and was 0.8s inside the fastest lap from Sunday’s 25-lap thriller. Hayden also tried a qualifying tyre at the end of the day, shaving his lap time down to 1m 42.2s.
The two-day test here completes the first instalment of an intensive summer schedule for the Repsol Honda team. Following back-to-back races in Italy and Catalunya the mechanics and riders will now enjoy a weekend off before two more races on consecutive weekends, beginning with the Grand Prix of Great Britain on Sunday June 24.
Nicky Hayden Best lap time: 1m 42.2s (Qualifying tyre) 1m 42.4 (Race tyre)“It’s been an encouraging day testing the updated chassis. You’ve got to do it when it counts on the race weekend but I have a better feeling on the machine now and I think it’s definitely an improvement in some areas. It certainly shows potential at this circuit, so I hope that carries over to the next race at Donington Park. We spent a large part of the day tyre testing for Michelin and I did a longer run this afternoon – about three-quarters race distance – and was able to get some good consistency. We tried a qualifying tyre with the modified chassis too, because we didn’t want to get to Donington and have any surprises. Thanks a lot to my guys because we’ve had two GPs on the trot and they’ve been working really hard. I know those guys aren’t giving up on me which gives me a lot of confidence.”
Unofficial lap times (Race Tyres):1. Nicky Hayden - Repsol Honda Team 1m 42.4s 107
2. Casey Stoner - Ducati Marlboro Team 1m 42.76s 31
3. Chris Vermeulen - Rizla Suzuki MotoGP 1m 42.9s 44
4. Loris Capirossi - Ducati Marlboro Team 1m 43.09s 50
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