Sepang tests all about learning for Redding

Scott Redding says that the opening MotoGP test of 2016 – which gets underway on Monday in Sepang – will be all about continuing to learn on the Pramac Ducati.

Coming from a difficult year on the MarcVDS Honda, Redding is still coming to grips not only with a new bike running new electronics, but also, like everyone else, with the switch to Michelin tyres.

“I just want to keep learning and understanding what’s happening at the tests. I’m doing things now and then think ‘I don’t know how I did that.’ I have feeling but I don’t understand it, so I need to work at that to become fast and consistent. If you watch people like Lorenzo their lap times are just bang, bang, bang – and that’s what I need to be like too.

“I lacked that last year – I could be fast for four laps, then I would drop eight tenths like that and they’re gone. I need to work on that.”

However, despite the big changes coming his way, the Brit is confident that it won’t take him too long to come to grips with the new setup, helped in part by his riding style, according to the 23 year old.

“The electronics for me don’t feel that bad because I don’t rely on them – and I think that was the problem with the Bridgestones. The tyres have no grip in the rear and a lot in the front, and I couldn’t get my head around that. They use a lot of electronics to control that, but we were a new team last year still learning and with no experience.

“It was a big wall to get over with no ladder to help, and this year I’m already on top of the wall – I just need to jump down and start running!”

For an exclusive interview with Redding about the 2016 season and beyond, see this week’s Motorcycle News.