From a press release issued by Ducati Corse:

DUCATI CORSE PRESS INFORMATION
Jerez de la Frontera (Spain)
Tuesday 3 December 2002

SECOND DAY OF DUCATI CORSE TESTING AT JEREZ WITH THE DESMOSEDICI

Excellent weather conditions greeted today’s second day of testing for the Ducati Corse MotoGP team at Spain’s Jerez de la Frontera circuit. A warm sun and improved track conditions allowed Loris Capirossi and Troy Bayliss to successfully conclude the workload scheduled for the second day of a three-day test.

Capirossi, who made minor adjustments to yesterday’s set-up, worked on engine braking and tested numerous sets of tyres brought to Jerez by Michelin. His feeling with the Desmosedici is continuing to improve rapidly and Loris completed 46 laps, dipping below the 1:44 mark several times and ending up with a quickest lap of 1:43.1.

Troy Bayliss again got to grips with the unfamiliar but difficult Spanish circuit today, completing a total of 60 laps. The Australian also concentrated on chassis and suspension set-up as well as new tyres and his best time was 1:44.2.

Test rider Vittoriano Guareschi missed the second day of testing after going down with a viral infection during the night which forced him to stay in bed all day. He received a medical check-up in the morning but had to forego today’s test session.

Corrado Cecchinelli, Ducati Corse Track Technical Director, declared: “We are really satisfied with the way today went. Every time we take to the track we are making improvements and the indications that come from Troy and Loris are helping the new Desmosedici make rapid progress. The times obtained are satisfactory, considering that they were set on race tyres and also because it’s more or less the first time we have tested at Jerez after the session here two weeks ago was hit by rain. Tomorrow is the final day of testing and Loris and Troy will use the engine in Twin Pulse mode as well.”

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