Fastest Pedrosa keeping focus on Qatar

Dani Pedrosa finished the inaugural Thailand MotoGP test on top of the timesheets after posting the fastest ever lap of the Chang International Circuit in the closing minutes of Sunday's final day.

The Repsol Honda rider outpaced long-time leader Johann Zarco by just 0.086s on his 77th and penultimate lap, as Honda riders filled thee of the top four places.

"We are learning the track and we did a lot of work so obviously it's positive to be riding with the front group. That is always important, but for us it's always a test," Pedrosa declared.

"Sure you try sometimes to push more and more, because to try items you need to go on the limit of the items, but the main goal is always to arrive ready for the first race.

"A few things are still not there because we need more tests, but the first time in Sepang was positive and also here was positive. The team is working well. The three days here were quite hard because it was super hot.

"But we had good information and now we are going for the next test."

The final Qatar test will be especially important for Honda's engine development and the last chance to make any technical changes before the design is sealed at the opening race, at the same Losail circuit, in mid-March.

"Obviously the next track is a little bit different because it's the first time going to cooler conditions with the new engine. It will be very interesting because we have the first experience of the engine in these hot places. Now we need to set-up for a different situation."

Among the visible parts on offer this week to Pedrosa and team-mate Marc Marquez (fourth, but considered the best on race pace) were a new fairing and carbon fibre swingarm.

The Repsol garage was also packed with HRC engineers and management.

"I am happy because it's very positive to talk directly and the reaction timing is a lot better, because when you look in the eyes you can understand a lot more things and you can have a quicker answer as well," Pedrosa said.

"So really positive how Honda is developing during the tests and I think we are all working good in the team, at the track and back in Japan, and happy about that."

And is Pedrosa starting to think of his 2019 contract yet?

"I think day-by-day. Today we are here, tomorrow we go to Jakarta. The contract is coming if you are fast…"

The Qatar test takes place from March 1-3