Brno, Aug 22: Valentino Rossi was testing the new 800cc bike at the Brno cicuit on Monday (August 21), one day after his second place at the Czech Republic MotoGP.
The new Yamaha model, still without the team's livery, has a 800cc capacity engine designed to fit in with new regulations for 2007.
It is a revolutionary step for the sport, with manufacturers having made the most of regulations allowing 990cc four-stroke bikes since 2002.
The five-times world champion was pleased with the performance of the new machine.
"Yes, it's funny, it's the future because it is the new era you know. The bike is already quite good. I am happy. The power is a lot less, so it is more esay to open the trottle acceleration but for the first test is not so bad," said Rossi who is third in the overall standings, 38 points behind championship leader NickY Hayden.
Italian compatriot Loris Capirossi also took his new 800cc Ducatti to the circuit where he won the MotoGP race on Sunday (August 20).
"I think it is easy to say immediately that that bike -- the feelin is a lot lighter, it is more easy to ride," said Capirossi who is fifth in the MotoGP standings, trailing Hayden by 50 points.
Bureau Report
First Published: Tuesday, August 22, 2006, 00:00