From a press release issued by HRC:

HRC MotoGP test session Sepang Malaysia. Opening day of three-day test

The HRC R&D Team began a three-day test session at the Sepang circuit, Malaysia today in preparation for the 2011 MotoGP season.

Alongside HRC test rider, Kousuke Akiyoshi, who is continuing the development of the RCV212, HRC also invited Jonathan Rea, the Honda Ten Kate World Superbike Team rider to join the test.

Jonathan Rea made his very first ride on a MotoGP machine today and HRC is pleased to give him the possibility to test ride the RCV212 for the first time.

After having adjusted the riding position on the RC212V to suit his stature, the 23 year old Rea, from Ballymena, Northern Ireland, went on track today joining Japanese rider, and Suzuka 8-hour team-mate Akiyoshi.

Akiyoshi and Rea made the most of the warm weather at the 5.548km circuit to complete almost full day’s work with the Honda RC212V stopping for just one hour due to a short rain shower.

Jonathan made a start to the three-day test and completed 51 laps familiarizing himself with the characteristics of the grand prix machine.


Jonathan Rea:
"Today I had great fun learning a MotoGP bike and the Sepang circuit is impressive! My body is still not 100% and this is a pity, but I had a very good day with the HRC test team. I spent almost all my career on production derived bikes, I just rode a 125 GP a few years ago, and today I had a good feeling riding the Honda RCV212. The bike feels very powerful, the engine revs higher than my CBR1000R and it is easy to change direction. I’d like to thank HRC and Honda Europe for this opportunity. I am looking forward for the next two days of testing."