Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

From a press release issued by Ducati Corse:

DUCATI CORSE PRESS INFORMATION
Jerez de la Frontera (Spain)
Tuesday 19 November 2002

SECOND DAY OF TESTING FOR CAPIROSSI AND BAYLISS WITH THE DUCATI DESMOSEDICI DISTURBED BY BAD WEATHER

Today’s Ducati Corse test session at Spain’s Jerez de la Frontera circuit was disturbed by bad weather, ruining any attempt by the Italian team’s two riders Loris Capirossi and Troy Bayliss to put in some consistent laps during the second day of the scheduled three-day session.

After rain had fallen throughout the night and most of the day, Loris and Troy were only able to take to the track late in the afternoon, when it was still wet but the rain had ceased. Troy completed 32 laps and Loris 18.

The Desmosedici, which ran on a wet surface for the first time, satisfied both riders. Despite the considerable power available, both Loris and Troy were enthusiastic about the engine’s performance and the bike’s ‘driveability’ even in low-grip conditions.

Capirossi also completed 6 laps with the engine in ‘Twin Pulse’ configuration, receiving positive indications.

The Jerez tests will conclude tomorrow and, weather conditions permitting, both riders will run with both versions of the V4 engine.

N.B. Ducati Corse is unable to supply any images or rider comments of Loris Capirossi until the end of 2002.