Ducati Jerez test notes 2006-11-29

BUSY SECOND DAY OF TESTING AT JEREZ FOR THE DUCATI MARLBORO TEAM

Yesterday's weather forecast proved to be right and conditions were much improved on the second day of testing at Jerez. After waiting for the track to become completely dry, Ducati Marlboro Team riders Loris Capirossi and Casey Stoner went out after noon to get testing with their Desmosedici GP7 machines underway.

In the presence of Ducati Corse Director General Filippo Preziosi, engineers and riders today investigated the potential of a new engine management configuration, different to the one used in the previous tests with the GP7. This delicate and difficult task is fundamental in identifying the right path for the new bike's development.

Loris Capirossi completed a total of 34 laps of the Jerez track, ending up with a quickest time of 1m42.244s.

"We spent most of the day working on the new software, which however is not quite ready. We were unable to devote much time to tyres and set-up and as a result obviously could not set any quick times. However we found out a lot of information and it is normal that in this period we are exploring new ways of development. Tomorrow if the weather holds good I think that we can go much better".

Alongside the Borgo Panigale ‘veteran', Casey Stoner continued to get to know his new team and his new bike. The young Australian did 52 laps of the track, setting a quickest time in 1m41.702s.

"It was a very busy day and we had a lot of things to test. Late in the afternoon we made considerable progress and I am very pleased with that as well as with the way the team works. We've still got a lot of work to do with the new bike but it's got a lot of potential and I am convinced I can go a lot quicker. I am very satisfied and hopefully tomorrow the weather will be good again so we can continue the work we started today".

The Ducati Corse test team and test-rider Vittoriano Guareschi are also at Jerez together with the factory squad. The Italian rider completed 50 laps today, helping with the development of the bike with which Loris and Casey will take on the Japanese manufacturers in next year's championship.

-credit: ducati