Valentino Rossi: New bike feels great

World champion Valentino Rossi hailed a three-day end-of-season test at the Valencia circuit in southern Spain.

The Italian, putting Fiat Yamaha’s new YZR-M1 through its paces, was third quickest on the last day.

Valentino Rossi said: “The bike is already faster and already feels better than the old one. The throttle is easier to open. Yamaha have done a good job so far. I am happy with the work we have done.”
Firm base for Denning

Rizla Suzuki team manager Paul Denning believes solid foundations have been laid for a competitive 2010 campaign.

Loris Capirossi and Alvaro Bautista spent time testing the Suzuki GSV-R at the Valencia track in southern Spain.

Denning said: “These three days have been a good start towards the target of significantly improving our level, though the fundamental changes to the bike will come in February at Sepang.”

Spies: Progress made

Ben Spies was “really happy” with his test at Spain’s Valencia circuit.

The American was aboard the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 YZR-M1 machine, which the 25-year-old rode for only the fifth time as he continued a seamless transition from World Superbikes.

Spies said: “I feel I made a lot of progress. My data guy could see on the computer that I was riding with more of a MotoGP style. I gained confidence.”