Ducati Testing 17-inch Michelin Slicks At Valencia

Ducati Testing 17-inch Michelin Slicks At Valencia

© 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

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From a press release issued by Ducati Corse:

DAY 2 OF TESTING FOR DUCATI MARLBORO TEAM AT VALENCIA

Valencia (Spain), 11 December 2003 – The Ducati Marlboro Team is continuing its pre-season development work at Valencia in view of the 2004 championship. On the second day of a three-day session, the fine weather conditions (air 16°C / track 18°C) at the Ricardo Tormo circuit allowed the team to run throughout the entire day.

As part of an intense work schedule, the riders and engineers focussed chiefly on front suspension set up, while continuing comparative tests with tyre supplier Michelin. The Desmosedici took to the track with 16.5-inch rims as well as the more traditional 17-inch ones. With the smaller sized front rim, the bike’s handling appears to have improved, according to Loris Capirossi, who completed a total of 50 laps with a best time of 1:33.52.

“I like the way the bike handles with the 16.5 front, especially under braking and at maximum lean at centre curve” commented Capirossi. “I am really pleased with the way things are going, these three days are very busy but they are really important for the development of the bike”.

Troy Bayliss put in more laps around the Valencia track, 62 in total, and the Australian’s quickest time was 1:33.58. Troy also focussed on the front end of the bike, in particular fork settings, but unlike Loris he continued to use the 17-inch rim.

“Today was very positive” declared Bayliss after the test. “My laps were always on the pace and I’m pleased with the way things went today. Tomorrow I’ll try out the 16.5-inch rim, which I was really happy with when I used it in Superbike”.

Vittoriano Guareschi continued dedicated testing work with the development team, the Italian completing a total of 18 laps.

Tomorrow will see the third and final day of testing for the Ducati Marlboro Team as it completes its 2003 schedule in view of the 2004 MotoGP season.


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