From a press release issued by OMS Sports:

Ducati Austin Wraps Up Successful Test At Laguna Seca

Despite a stomach virus, Gobert blazes to top time on first day and “just a click off” the lead on second day – opts for rest on final day

LAGUNA SECA, Calif., (Jan. 23, 2003) – The Ducati Austin race program and rider Anthony “Go Show” Gobert cranked out some impressive lap times at this week’s Laguna Seca test session, featuring the major factories and teams participating in the 2003 AMA/Chevy Truck U.S. Superbike Championships.

Ducati Austin’s Gobert, who for a number of years held the lap time record at Laguna Seca (1999 to 2002) on the legendary Ducati 996, battled a painful stomach virus, a new fork set up and bad weather conditions, en route to the fastest time of the day on Tuesday – a 1:26.8.

“The first day we didn’t get out until about noon,” said Ducati Austin Crew Chief, Vic Fasola. “It was foggy, generally bad weather, and Anthony rode well despite being under the weather himself.”

On the second day (Wednesday), Gobert put the Ducati 998RS03 up in the lead for much of the day before being edged out by rival Eric Bostrom, 1:26.2 to 1:26.4.

“We were testing some new Ohlins forks, working on the rear shock settings, bike geometry, fuel mapping – all the typical stuff for getting going on a race track and Anthony up to speed on the Ducati,” said Fasola. “It was a very successful test. Despite being sick, Anthony was the fastest rider on the first day and only a click off the lead on the second day. And you’ve got to remember, Eric (Bostrom) was on the same bike at Laguna last year.” Note: The gas-filled Ohlins forks, fairly new to the States, are being used by many number of the World Superbike teams.

By the third day of testing (today), Gobert’s stomach flu got the best of him and the team decided to pack it in a day early. “If push came to shove, and it was race day, he’d have run,” said Fasola. “He’s gone home to see his doctor. We think it’s some kind of flu bug.”

The Ducati Austin race team’s next test session will be Feb. 5-6 at Fontana Speedway (Calif.). In the meantime, Fasola and some other members of the team will travel to Italy to visit the Ducati factory for what Fasola calls “A little show & tell.”