The Repsol Honda team found an interesting way to skirt MotoGP testing rules last week when two-time MotoGP World Championship runner-up and Valentino Rossi curse object Sete Gibernau tested an RC213V at Jerez.
Gibernau shook down the bikes of Marc Marquez and Dani Pedrosa last Friday, as bad weather prevented both of the Repsol Honda factory riders from turning laps. But team officials confirmed Gibernau went on track to check settings on both bikes, preventing Marquez and Pedrosa from wasting one of their five designated private test days of the year.
It’s not an uncommon tactic. Alex Marquez rode Honda’s 2017 bike last year at Misano to provide testing feedback without Marc Marquez or Pedrosa needing to use a precious test day. Only riders for relative newcomer Aprilia and MotoGP rookie KTM are exempt from the private testing restrictions.
Gibernau last raced in MotoGP in 2009. He is serving as an advisor and rider coach for Pedrosa this season.
