Konica want fast laps to boost morale.

While some believe comparing winter testing times is irrelevant, due to the unknown variables when each is set, Konica Minolta Honda team manager Gianluca Montiron wants to see Shinya Nakano setting fast laps at Phillip Island - due to the psychological importance of being towards the top of the timesheets.

New rider Nakano struggled with set-up at the recent Sepang test, finishing just 15th fastest, and Montiron doesn't want such performances to depress his team - which suffered two tough seasons with Makoto Tamada - before the first grand prix.

"To be honest, for me it will be important to see good results from the stopwatch at the end of the day's testing because I know how important it is for the motivation of the rider and the team as we approach the first race...

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