Marc Marquez tests 2013 Honda in Sepang

Improved weather conditions at the Sepang track in Malaysia today enabled Marc Marquez to enjoy his most productive day on board Honda’s RC213V 1000cc MotoGP machine to date.

The reigning Moto2 world champion completed a 60-lap stint, which was more than the combined laps he’d managed in three previous weather-hit days on track in Valencia and Sepang.

Having got used to the extra weight and horsepower by riding this year’s RC213V prior to today, Marquez also got chance to test the 2013 model on his way to a best time of 2.01.355.

Marquez, who will line-up with Dani Pedrosa in Honda’s official factory squad in 2013, said: “Today we finally had dry conditions for the whole day. In the morning the track was a little wet still from yesterday but it dried up pretty quickly and we were able to go out on track at around 11.30am and make use of the entire day.

In the first exit we improved our time from yesterday, which is definitely a positive. Then we tried some new set ups and I started to understand the bike better and my confidence began to grow. I also tried the 2013 prototype today, which felt good, but it’s more important that I take my time to learn the MotoGP bike and adapt my riding style to suit these bigger machines.

It’s been a great day and I hope the weather remains dry for tomorrow so we can cover more laps and continue to learn”.