MotoGP: Randy de Puniet keen to assess new Honda engine

French rider Randy de Puniet says he can’t wait to assess Honda’s new V4 motor when the LCR Honda rider resumes his winter testing schedule in Jerez this weekend.

All of Honda’s satellite team riders have completed their testing schedules so far using an old spec RC212V 800cc motor.

But when testing starts in Jerez on Saturday (February 16) all of them, including Shinya Nakano, Alex de Angelis and Andrea Dovizioso will debut a new engine.

It is the exact spec that factory duo Nicky Hayden and Dani Pedrosa finished last season on in the Valencia GP.

And former factory Kawasaki rider de Puniet, who has impressed in winter testing so far, said: “ I hope this will be another step forward because last season when I followed Hayden and Pedrosa they had more power than my Kawasaki engine. So if the motor counts for another 0.2s per lap it will be good.”

de Puniet has also spoken at how much he is enjoying life in Lucio Cecchinello’s satellite squad, free from the pressure and expectation of being lead rider in a top Japanese factory team.

“Maybe it was surprise for a lot of people to see me leave a factory team.  And for me my results so far are little bit of a surprise. But I think the Honda is easier to ride over race distance than Kawasaki. Maybe if I was on the new Kawasaki now it would be the same but I don’t know, but this is not my problem, “said de Puniet.