Huge launch for Repsol Honda team

The Repsol Honda Team riders Nicky Hayden and Dani Pedrosa brought the centre of Madrid to a standstill on Sunday as they lead a spectacular 8000-bike convoy through the Spanish capital. The event, organized by Repsol to celebrate the official launch of the 2007 Repsol Honda Team, saw the American World Champion and his Spanish team-mate riding Honda CBR1000RR Fireblades to the Palacio de Deportes, flanked by a huge police escort along the 7km route.

The MotoGP stars were joined on the ride-out by Julián Simón and Shuhei Aoyama from the 250cc Repsol Honda Team while the 125cc team riders Esteve Rabat and Bradley Smith followed in a car – being too young hold the required road license. All six riders then appeared on stage to answer questions and sign autographs in front of thousands of excited motorcycle fans.

Following their unusual Sunday ride, the Repsol Honda squad will now begin the final preparations for the Grand Prix of Spain which takes place at the Jerez circuit on March 23-25.