Bautista may have ended proceedings 11th on the timesheet, but rapid lap times were not everything as numerous experiments went on behind the scenes.
"On the first day of testing, after becoming acquainted with the new RC213V, we started working on Showa suspension's setup starting from the good base reached at the end of last season," Jimenez begins to explain.
"On the second day, the situation became more complicated because we started using the new Bridgestone rear tyre for the 2014 season; that is actually quite different from the tyres used throughout 2013. The new tyre has a more rigid structure, designed to withstand the severe strain of a MotoGP™ and also amid high temperatures.
"Unfortunately, in this first test of the year we had - as all other riders had - only three new rear tyres available. We had to start from scratch in finding the best setting to exploit the potential of these tyres and for us this important work requires a certain time, because - being the only ones to use Showa suspension - we can’t count on other references. However, in the next scheduled test we will use only 2014 spec tyres, so we will focus on this aspect and I am convinced that we can do a good job."
Last year, a podium finish eluded Bautista, who the season before had managed to finish on the rostrum in both the San Marino and Japanese Grands Prix. However, Jimenez is confident that his rider can enjoy a positive upcoming campaign.
"We have seen very good lap times, obtained in the morning when the track was in the best condition," the Crew Chief continues. "In this case we have not been really fast, but we are satisfied.
"Alvaro has been fast with used tyres and this is important for the race distance. Obviously we need to improve for qualifying, but we have time to do it."
Once again this year, Fausto Gresini’s team is running a split programme. With Bautista riding a Factory Option Honda RC213V, new team-mate Scott Redding is piloting a Honda RCV1000R under the new Open regulations.
Source: http://www.motogp.com
