Moto2 World Champion Toni Elias made his return to the premier class in testing at Valencia on Tuesday in the official post-season test, taking his time to settle back into the RC212V Honda MotoGP contender.
Spanish star Elias completed 60 laps throughout the day after rain delayed the start of proceedings, working through the latest electronics and Bridgestone tyres before posting the 16th fastest lap time of the day with a 1:35.058.
“This morning I was very excited to be back on a MotoGP machine,” Elias commented. “I missed the power and the sound of this bike but I have decided to take my time to adapt to the new machine and the new team.
“This RCV is different and I need more track time to find the right feeling. Surface conditions were not fabulous today because of the rain and the dust taken by the strong wind so I took my first laps using the brain.
“The first impression about the squad is very positive – they are very organized and very friendly. There is still a lot of work to do together but I am confident we can find the right direction.”
Elias replaces Frenchman Randy de Puniet at LCR Honda for the 2011 season, with de Puniet also making his debut on the Pramac Racing Ducati at Valencia on Tuesday.