Solid start in Sepang for Team Estrella Galicia 0,0 Marc VDS

Sepang, Malaysia – 6 February 2015: Scott Redding and Team Estrella Galicia 0,0 Marc VDS got the 2015 season off to a solid start in Malaysia, with a successful three-day test at the Sepang International Circuit.

The aim of the opening test of the new season was clear; to allow Redding to familiarise himself with the 2015 Honda RC213V he’ll campaign in Team Estrella Galicia 0,0 Marc VDS colours and to prepare fully for the first race of the season in Qatar.

To this end Redding spent much of the three-day test on used tyres and with the electronic rider aids dialled down to their minimum setting, using the time to get a feel for the power available from the factory specification Honda RC213V with minimum electronic interference between twist grip and engine.

The Honda RC213V is a lot different to ride than the bike I raced last year, so I came here to Sepang to learn how to get the best from it.

Scott Redding

The 22-year-old declared himself satisfied with the progress made over the three days. Having initially found the Honda RC213V a very different bike to ride than the open class RCV1000R he campaigned last season, Redding’s confidence and speed improved as he became increasingly familiar with the characteristics of the factory specification bike.

Team Estrella Galicia 0,0 Marc VDS will return to Sepang in just over two weeks for a further three days of testing, during which Redding is determined to continue the learning process, as he works to close the gap to the top of the timesheet.

Scott Redding: 17th - 2’01.263 - “The Honda RC213V is a lot different to ride than the bike I raced last year, so I came here to Sepang to learn how to get the best from it. It means we’ve been focussed on the bike and me rather then the lap times and, as a result, we’ve made good progress. I’ve been running without a lot of electronics, just trying to adapt my riding style to suit better this bike. Like I said, I’m here to learn not chase lap times; the priority is to get comfortable on the bike, get a good feel for the brakes, for the suspension and to build my own confidence. Although the timesheet might not show it, I think we’ve achieved a lot here over the three days. The team is working well and I’m looking forward to returning to Sepang in a few weeks for the second test.”

Michael Bartholemy: Team Principal - “It’s been a very positive first test, even if that is not really reflected in the lap times. The new Honda RC213V is a good bike and Scott felt much more comfortable on it than he did in Valencia at the end of last year. His confidence has returned, almost to the same level as when he was riding in Moto2 and challenging for the title. Our aim at this test wasn’t to chase lap times, but to understand better the bike and to prepare fully for the first race, especially the end of the race when the tyres start to go off. We have made significant progress over the three days, with both Scott and the team doing a good job. Now we need to work towards the next test here at Sepang, to ensure we continue to improve.”

Team Estrella Galicia 0,0 Marc VDS