They weren't on "basically identical machinery."
This is a quote taken from a MotoGP.com article concerning the Sepang Honda tests...
"Like Biaggi, Sete Gibernau and Nicky Hayden are also testing an engine similar to the one used by Rossi at the tail end of the 2003 season, and all three seem happy with its performance and the direction the factory is going. Gibernau remarked, "Its got more rpm definitely, maybe even 500 more, and the clutch we used with it is much better, its definitely an improvement. Theres a smoother transfer when you shift down going onto the brakes, and already were seeing the difference in the lap times, which are quick compared to the race here."
As you can see, Rossi's '03 RCV was on another level compared to the rest of the Honda field. I think the same will be true of his M1 compared to Checa and Co's machinery.
This is a quote taken from a MotoGP.com article concerning the Sepang Honda tests...
"Like Biaggi, Sete Gibernau and Nicky Hayden are also testing an engine similar to the one used by Rossi at the tail end of the 2003 season, and all three seem happy with its performance and the direction the factory is going. Gibernau remarked, "Its got more rpm definitely, maybe even 500 more, and the clutch we used with it is much better, its definitely an improvement. Theres a smoother transfer when you shift down going onto the brakes, and already were seeing the difference in the lap times, which are quick compared to the race here."
As you can see, Rossi's '03 RCV was on another level compared to the rest of the Honda field. I think the same will be true of his M1 compared to Checa and Co's machinery.
