GP test starts in Sepang

The first MotoGP test of 2006 is underway at Sepang in Malaysia with the Yamaha team of Valentino Rossi and Colin Edwards already displaying the new Camel sponsorship livery.

The test runs for three days and involves Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Ducati and every Honda team except Konica Minolta rider Makoto Tamada. Dani Pedrosa has already begun to test the Honda RC211V, while Team Roberts are fielding Kenny Roberts Jnr having confirmed Honda power for the season.

Other riders to note will be Sete Gibernau debuting on the Ducati Desmosedici, Chris Vermeulen on the Suzuki, Randy de Puniet on the Kawasaki and Casey Stoner on the Cecchinello RC211V. Many teams have also sent their test riders to Sepang, including Naoki Matsudo for Kawasaki.

Meanwhile in the 125cc and 250cc class, WTR Blauer USA has announced the sigings of Italians Micele Pirro and Michele Danese. Pirro rode for Malaguti in 2005 before switching to WTR Blauer USA. Danese was due to race for Anagaia Racing, but will now join Pirro under the management of Loris Castellucci.

In the MotoGP class, Ducati has announced a sponsorship deal with the Phillip Morris tobacco firm until 2011. Among the Phillip Morris brands is the current title sponsor of the team, Marlboro.

Keep checking back for the latest updates from Sepang.

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