Honda's Jonathan Rea has claimed the quickest time in the official world superbike testing in Portugal, ensuring his status as one of the heros this season.

Rea took a best lap of 1:42.270 at Portimao, which took over Ben Spies' best ever lap around the track.

The rivalry between Rea and Leon Haslam (Suzuki), who was quickest on day one, carried on till the end with Haslam finishing 0.30secs behind.

"This test was a lot of fun, we worked through everything methodically and we are in good shape to begin the season," says Rea. "We got most of the big things like suspension spec, linkage and swing-arm teed off so now we can go to Phillip Island and fine-tune our racing.

"To say we are ready to go racing at Phillip Island,

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While Valentino Rossi was practice testing the Ferrari F2008 at Circuit de Catalunya, his Team Manager at Fiat Yamaha Davide Brivio, has commented on the preparation for for the MotoGP testing at Sepang beginning early February.

"There are many things that everyone wants to discover, because these new engine regulations might change the competition a bit," Brivio began. "In 2009 Yamaha had a very good bike, the best package I think, and our competitors will try to recover so they'll be pushing lot on the technical side with their bikes."

"From a sporting point of view, there are four strong riders who are all trying to win, and there are some interesting rookies. There is plenty to be found out during the tests, and of course in the races."

The new season version of the M1 will be announced in Malaysia on 4th February, Brivio adds: "There aren't any big changes because the bike was working very well in 2009. Obviously we made some small evolutions."

"The big job is with regards to the engine; we have to look for better reliability because of the regulations about the use of six engines throughout the season. So it will be very important to maintain the reliability of the engine without losing performance. Looking at the chassis, we already tested it in Valencia at the end of last season, and it was working well, so now we just need some fine tuning. The first test will also be important for the riders to refresh and get used to the bikes."

In conclusion, Brivio states his focus to the hype surrounding Rossi's test on four wheels, plus a few extra words about the World Champion's future.

"Valentino's future in the sport depends on him. In 2010 he will race with Yamaha in MotoGP, and that's what everybody's expecting.

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Inmotec’s displays to give the first Spanish manufactured machine in order to compete in the MotoGP sessions are now in an advanced stage, with their prototype of the bike they want to compete at five Grands Prixs next season progressing well.

They are planning a second unit, which may incorporate various changes from the prototype first shown at Valencia last year.  Modifications to the chassis, swingarm, motor and aerodynamics will be in depth, a day's testing is scheduled in February in a wind tunnel near Paris to assess data concerning the fairings.

Oscar Gorria, M.D. of the company, has announced that Inmotec have finished 2 weeks of testing with racer Iván Silva. He states: “The bike is continually evolving. We will adapt the training schedule for the development of the new parts. At the moment we’re training at circuits like Navarra or Alcarrás – where the attached video was shot – and we believe it is necessary to go and train at World Championship circuits, to record more data for our own reference.”

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Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports S.L, has made a speech at Wrooom 2010 in Madonna de Campiglio this week about the amendments introduced for the 2012 MotoGP year.

“During the MotoGP tests next month in Malaysia, we will hold meetings with the manufacturers to finish defining the important details for the regulation of MotoGP from 2012, as well as the tank capacity and weight of the bike. If we arrive at a consensus we could have the technical regulations before the start of the Championship.”

As reported in a meeting last December, the representatives who govern MotoGP (IRTA, Dorna and MSMA) and the Grand Prix Commission agreed to amend the maximum capacity of motors in the premier class to 1000cc for the 2012 season. It was also announced there will be a limit of four cylinders and a maximum cylinder bore diameter of 81mm.

With reference to the possibility of an earlier implementation of the rules in 2011, Ezpeleta stated: “At the moment we are not contemplating bringing it forward, but if the manufacturers ask for it altogether, we can evaluate it.”

The manager of the company which has the rights to MotoGP, is positive the new rules will enable an idealistic number of 22 competitors to be reached with the introduction of new manufacturers, and will not need Dorna to go in search of fresh constructors.

“We will not and have never tried to convince anyone to come and compete,” says Ezpeleta. “They should be interested in coming themselves. We speak with everybody from all around the world, but never send anybody to convince a manufacturer to come and compete in our Championship.”

Switching to Moto2, Ezpeleta announced the entry list of squads that will make the grid of 39 racers for the 2010 year will be confirmed soon.

In the 125cc session, where technical regulations will remain stable until 2014, Ezpeleta does not see any amendments in the short term.

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Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports S.L, has made a speech at Wrooom 2010 in Madonna de Campiglio this week about the amendments introduced for the 2012 MotoGP year.

“During the MotoGP tests next month in Malaysia, we will hold meetings with the manufacturers to finish defining the important details for the regulation of MotoGP from 2012, as well as the tank capacity and weight of the bike. If we arrive at a consensus we could have the technical regulations before the start of the Championship.”

As reported in a meeting last December, the representatives who govern MotoGP (IRTA, Dorna and MSMA) and the Grand Prix Commission agreed to amend the maximum capacity of motors in the premier class to 1000cc for the 2012 season. It was also announced there will be a limit of four cylinders and a maximum cylinder bore diameter of 81mm.

With reference to the possibility of an earlier implementation of the rules in 2011, Ezpeleta stated: “At the moment we are not contemplating bringing it forward, but if the manufacturers ask for it altogether, we can evaluate it.”

The manager of the company which has the rights to MotoGP, is positive the new rules will enable an idealistic number of 22 competitors to be reached with the introduction of new manufacturers, and will not need Dorna to go in search of fresh constructors.

“We will not and have never tried to convince anyone to come and compete,” says Ezpeleta. “They should be interested in coming themselves. We speak with everybody from all around the world, but never send anybody to convince a manufacturer to come and compete in our Championship.”

Switching to Moto2, Ezpeleta announced the entry list of squads that will make the grid of 39 racers for the 2010 year will be confirmed soon.

In the 125cc session, where technical regulations will remain stable until 2014, Ezpeleta does not see any amendments in the short term.

Click here to read more