From a press release issued by Ducati Corse:

DUCATI MARLBORO TEAM CONCLUDES THREE DAYS OF TESTING AT VALENCIA

BOTH DESMOSEDICI RIDERS QUICK IN FINAL 2003 TESTS – BAYLISS (1:33.15), CAPIROSSI (1:33.48)

Valencia (Spain), 12 December 2003 – Third and final day of testing at Valencia for Loris Capirossi and Troy Bayliss, who together with Vittoriano Guareschi have concluded the Ducati Marlboro Team’s intense testing schedule before the Christmas break.

The 2003 season comes to a successful end for the Ducati Marlboro Team which made its debut in MotoGP at the start of this year. It finished second overall in the constructors’ championship, and fourth with Capirossi and sixth with Bayliss in the riders’ standings. This, together with a historic win in the Catalunya GP and numerous other positive results, are just reward for the commitment of riders and team.

The experience accumulated during the season and the intense work carried out until now, are the starting-point for the 2004 season. “The results of these tests are the best way to end this wonderful season” – commented Ducati Marlboro Team director Livio Suppo at the end of the Valencia tests. “I want to thank the team and in particular Loris, Troy and Vittoriano, who have done a great job, their determination, ability and professionalism have been decisive on every occasion. From tomorrow everyone gets a well-earned break, even though we can’t wait for the new season to start, bringing with it a fresh challenge, and a battle that promises to be even and hard-fought. We can only look ahead with optimism, it is sure to be another great season for Ducati.”

The final day of testing at Valencia was characterised by excellent weather conditions, with temperatures much higher than on the previous days: 20° air / 25°C track.

Troy and Loris both ran a race simulation distance; the Italian continued to test the 16.5-inch front and completed a total of 62 laps, recording a quickest time of 1:33.48. The positive results obtained with the smaller size front wheel give the riders a wider choice in bike set-up for the different circuits.

Bayliss was quickest rider of the day, stopping the clock in 1:33.15 in his 73 laps, the Australian preferring to continue testing with the 17-inch front.

Vittoriano Guareschi continued development work on the 2004 ‘lab’ Desmosedici, testing a series of new components for reliability and efficiency. The Italian, who completed a series of long runs, did 38 laps with a best time of 1.36.70.

The Ducati Marlboro Team will return to the track for further pre-season testing next January.