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The Sepang tests have concluded, despite some setbacks. On track in Malaysia were Michele Pirro with Ducati, Cal Crutchlow for Honda and Colin Edwards with Yamaha, the aim for all three being to provide Michelin with useful data ahead of the October GP.
Like yesterday, the new track surface proved problematic in that certain sections were not drying out after rainfall. The problem was water seeping out from under the surface and so, for want of a more elegant or hi-tech solution, the clean-up operation involved the use of very effective... paper towels.
“The tests have finished and went well - Pirro tells us from Malaysia - Again this morning we had the issue of damp sections, particularly at turn 9. By using paper towels, we were gradually able to absorb the water and from lunchtime onwards the track was completely dry, though dirty”.
The three riders were therefore able to complete their respective work programmes.
“We were able to complete the work for Michelin - confirms Michele - I made about 80 laps and also a race simulation to gather all the information needed in order to not have any surprises during the GP”.
The Ducati test rider was the only one to complete a long run, while Colin stopped at 14 consecutive laps and Cal focused on making shorter exits. In terms of lap times, performance was somewhere in the low 2’02s, with Pirro and Crutchlow a few tenths quicker than Edwards.
