First MotoGP tests underway

The 2002 season only finished on Sunday, but riders are already testing ahead of next season.

Max Biaggi and Sete Giberanu remained behind at Valencia, the scene of Sunday’s season finale, to get their first laps in on the Honda RCVs they’ll ride for their respective Pramac and Telefonica Gresini teams in 2003.

Gibernau said: ” It’s been really exciting. The RCV is a really well balanced machine, and as a rider I am satisfied and I feel confident for next year. Whilst we still have to get the motorcycle to suit me and my style with a lot hard work over the winter we can be competitive. ”

Giberanu’s fastest lap was a 1’34.4, better than his race time of 1’35.3, but slower than his qualifying time of 1’34.2.

Biaggi said: ” Today was my first taste of a new machine. It’s a bit different, but I’m pleased with the decision I’ve taken. ” He went second quickest on the day with a 1’34.0.

Alex Barros, who’s taken a reverse path to Biaggi’s – from Honda to Yamaha, was over the moon with his first ride on the M1. He said: ” I’m as happy as little kid with new shoes. ”

Despite spilling off in the final minutes of the session, Barros set the fastest lap of the day: a 1:33.6, beating his own race lap record of 1.33.873 set on Sunday.

Garry McCoy was present too, testing the Kawasaki ZX-RR. He’s yet to sign for a squad but his time of 1’36.7 suggests there’s plenty of work ahead for anyone to get it on the pace.