Scott Redding evaluates Honda RC213V in Valencia test

After a year spent struggling to make up for a lack of horsepower on Honda’s production RCV1000R machine, British rider Scott Redding got his first taste of what a true factory MotoGP prototype feels like in Valencia this morning.

Redding has made his debut on the current RC213V bike at the Ricardo Tormo track after returning to the Marc VDS Racing squad on a two-year deal.

The bike is one of Alvaro Bautista’s 2014-spec RC213V machines but it is fitted with Ohlins suspension and Brembo brakes.

Redding had to use Showa suspension and Nissin brakes in his rookie MotoGP season for Fausto Gresini’s satellite Honda squad.

Today’s test, which kicked off at noon local time in Valencia, also gives Redding his first opportunity to work with new crew chief Chris Pike, who moves to MotoGP after a stint working with Jonathan Rea in the Ten Kate Honda WSB squad.