Randy de Puniet turned the bulk of testing laps for Suzuki at Misano.

The Suzuki MotoGP Test Team banked more than 200 laps of valuable data and direct rider input at a three-day test at Italy’s Misano circuit, concluding yesterday.

The Japanese brand has maintained an intensive testing program for its all-new MotoGP prototype, despite confirming it will not officially enter the sport until 2015 – some 18 months from the first race.

Test riders Randy de Puniet and Nob Aoki shared testing duties, with the French rider completing the bulk of day one and three and the Japanese taking over the seat for day two, much of which was affected by rain.

New engine specifications for greater torque and new electronics for better traction control and engine braking were the primary focus of the exercise, which saw the team lower its best lap to a 1m34.882 on day three, from 1m35.097 on day one.

Test team manager Davide Brivio said it was important to be able to visit a new circuit to collate additional data as the development phase heightened.

“It has been an intensive three-day test, but I think we have done a good job,” said Brivio. “This is the first round of our ‘Italian Testing Campaign’ which includes Mugello next week.

“We have had a chance to visit another new circuit for our machine and we can continue to get good information for our development. It is very positive that the new items that arrived from Japan have all had positive points and benefits.

“During these days we have made positive improvements on settings; and especially in the electronics area, which will drive our future development. Randy made many laps on the last day and this was very important to make progress.”

The team looks forward to building upon the results of the test at Mugello next week where two further days are scheduled.