Honda plans extra private test at Jerez

The factory squad had originally planned on two additional days of testing back at Sepang, which hosted the first pre-season test, but has made a last-minute change to its plans.

With concerns over the Sepang surface and the amount of time it takes to dry after rainfall, Honda has decided Jerez is a safer bet at this time of year.

The Japanese manufacturer is evaluating two specifications of a revamped engine for 2018, and working to adapt its electronics accordingly.

HRC boss Livio Suppo confirmed that the plan was in the works, but stopped short of saying definitively that the Jerez test will go ahead.

"We haven't made a final decision, but we've rented the circuit," Suppo told Autosport.

It is not known if only Marquez and Pedrosa will take part in the test, or if other Honda riders will also be in attendance.

Each MotoGP rider has five private test days available each year, with both Honda riders yet to use any so far in 2017.

Marquez and Pedrosa were set to take part in a Jerez test late last year, before Honda opted to run Marc VDS satellite rider Jack Miller and test rider Hiroshi Aoyama instead.

Qatar will host the third and final official pre-season test from March 10, before the season opener at Losail later in the month.