From a press release issued by Honda:
New Men at Honda Begin 2003 Preparations at Valencia Today
The inaugural MotoGP season drew to a close on Sunday at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit, at Valencia, the fourth race over an arduous five-week period for the teams and riders. For two of the world’s top premier class riders, however, the 2003 season began today, at the same venue.
Italian Max Biaggi, runner-up in the MotoGP series and Spaniard Sete Gibernau tested RC211V Hondas at the 4.005km circuit. Both riders return to Honda equipped teams for next season’s 16 round series and will race the latest versions of the five-cylinder, 990cc four-stroke that they tested today.
The two men spent the day acquainting themselves with the characteristics of the machine that won 14 of the 16 races in the 2002 MotoGP World Championship.
At the end of what was just a shake down test for the riders, before the serious winter testing action begins, both men were pleased with what the day had revealed for them.
Max Biaggi: “Today was just my first taste of a new machine. It is a little bit different, but I am pleased with the decision I have taken. We tested the measurements of the bike, such as the handlebars, footpegs and levers, to see how I fit onto it. I was simply trying to understand the character of the machine on this track, and because we have just raced here it was comfortable for me. It will take time to get experience on this bike, everything is very new to me, and I will have to get used to its different sensations.”
Sete Gibernau: “It’s been really exciting, just jumping on this bike you can tell that it has been winning, and it is definitely a bike that works well in many different areas. It is a very well balanced machine, and as a rider I am satisfied, and I feel confident for next year. With Telefonica MoviStar I believe we have chosen the best team and the best bike, and whilst we still have to get the motorcycle to suit me and my riding style, I feel that with a lot of hard work over the winter, we can be very competitive.”
This season Italian Valentino Rossi won 11 races aboard his RC211V on the way to a stunning MotoGP title win. Rossi’s Repsol Honda team-mate, Japanese rider Tohru Ukawa, won one race on his RCV, eventually finishing third in the series. Brazilian Alex Barros scored two memorable victories aboard his West liveried RC211V, including last Sunday’s 30-lap Grand Prix of Valencia.
