Ducati’s Mugello test ended with a beautiful, sunny day and ideal conditions. Valentino Rossi’s turn back on the Ducati GP12, as he completed his third day of testing with the bike by turning 80 laps between 11:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m., when the Tuscan circuit closed.
Franco Battaini completed a series of tests with both the GP11 and the G12, while Vittoriano Guareschi followed Valentino’s progress from the box, along with Filippo Preziosi.
“It was another positive test,” said Rossi. “We had a number of things to try, including a new step with the frame that I liked. The general feeling was good. I was already happy with the engine the first time I tried it, and now we’re also making progress with the rest of the bike. Naturally, we’ll have to see when the others try their 2012 bikes, but as far as we’re concerned, for the moment we’re satisfied; our bike is already good. Riding at Mugello is always a pleasure. On top of everything else, the conditions today were perfect, so in addition to the good work we carried out—because I did 80 laps—I enjoyed my time riding. Compliments to the circuit for the new additions; the main grandstand is really nice, and of course I hope to see Mugello filled with fans for the race.”
“For this test we brought an updated frame for Valentino to try,” echoed Filippo Preziosi, “along with several other interesting things, and I’m pleased to report that we received positive feedback. The lap times were better than at the last test, which is additional confirmation that we’re working in the right direction. A big thank-you to Valentino and Nicky, to all the guys on the Team, and Ducati, where they’re extremely committed and are working really hard.”
Nicky Hayden At Mugello With Ducati GP12
The work of the Ducati Corse Department continues without pause. Notwithstanding the current intense race schedule, both Ducati Marlboro Team riders are busy at a Mugello test this week to continue the development of the GP12, while the Test Team simultaneously continues its work on the GP11 with Franco Battaini.
After riding with Battaini on Monday, Vittoriano Guareschi today once again donned his Team Manager hat to follow the work of Nicky Hayden and his team, along with Technical Director Filippo Preziosi. Valentino Rossi will take to the track tomorrow, during the last day of the test.
“It was a positive day,” the American rider said at day’s end (83 laps), “even if the track conditions this morning weren’t great because of the rain last night. That caused us to get started a bit late, but we worked on the setup and some new changes that have been made to the GP12. I only started having better feeling after the lunch break, when the sun made the track conditions better. The new asphalt is definitely a big improvement, especially in some spots, like the two Arrabbiate corners, which are really fun now. I’m satisfied with the steps forward that have been made with the bike since the first time I tried it, at Jerez. Thanks to Filippo (Preziosi) for giving me the opportunity to ride it again.”
