The Honda team began on Tuesday a three-day testing session at the Sepang circuit, with Jonathan Rea joining test rider Kousuke Akiyoshi at the track.
Ten Kate World Superbike Team rider Rea made his debut with a MotoGP bike to continue with Honda's development of the RCV212. The 23-year-old from Northern Ireland completed 51 laps as he familiarized himself with the characteristics of the grand prix machine.
"Today I had great fun learning a MotoGP bike and the Sepang circuit is impressive," said Rea, who will partner Akiyoshi in the Eight Hours of Suzuka race. "My body is still not 100% and this is a pity, but I had a very good day with the HRC test team. I spent almost all my career on production-derived bikes, I just rode a 125 GP a few years ago, and today I had a good feeling riding the Honda RCV212.
"The bike feels very powerful; the engine revs higher than my CBR1000R and it is easy to change direction. I'd like to thank HRC and Honda Europe for this opportunity. I am looking forward for the next two days of testing."