From a press release issued by Ducati Corse:

POSITIVE SEPANG TEST SESSION FOR THE DESMOSEDICI GP4

Sepang (Malaysia), 13 February, 2004 – The first testing session for Loris Capirossi and Troy Bayliss with the 2004 Desmosedici has concluded positively at Sepang, Malaysia.

The aim of the Ducati Marlboro Team was to verify the various technical modifications and developments that make up the 2004 bike. In three days of intense testing, riders and engineers were able to collect the first data on the evolution version of the Desmosedici, and the result is that the bike already appears to be at a competitive level for the start of the season.

The difficult Malaysian track and its sultry weather conditions were a tough test for both the team and riders, as well as the bikes, but they were useful in ironing out all the teething problems for the new machine.

Both Capirossi and Bayliss covered more than 800 kilometres over three days, with grip, braking, power delivery, handling and rider comfort the key areas on which the team worked. The mission was accomplished with regards to ‘rideability’ and comfort, and the indications received will all be useful for the next test session. At the same time the team is carrying on with the development of the 16.5″ front tyre, which was also a feature of this test session

Next week the Ducati Marlboro Team will move to the Phillip Island circuit in Australia for another important test in preparation for the 2004 MotoGP season, which is scheduled to get underway on April 18 at Welkom, South Africa.

Today’s testing took place in identical conditions to the previous two day’s (air 28°-35°; track 34°-52°). Loris Capirossi was able to partly resolve the lack of front end confidence he experienced yesterday with the new 16.5″ front tyre and the Italian completed 46 laps, the best being 2:03.530. “The feeling with the 16.5″ front has improved” commented Loris after the test. “I’m generally pretty satisfied with the way the three days have gone. The bike is going well, we’ve made a lot of progress from last year, in particular traction and power delivery have improved and the bike now handles better and is more comfortable. The Ducati engineers have done a good job over the winter and the bike has a lot of potential!”

Bayliss completed a total of 58 laps, with a quickest time of 2:03.554, which was the Australian’s best over three days and lap after lap, Troy is gaining confidence with the new bike. “I went better than yesterday, even though I thought I could have gone quicker” declared Bayliss. “Considering the fact that these are the first tests, I’m pretty pleased with the way things have gone. The bike is new and we’re just getting used to it. Unlike last year’s bike, you can feel the improvement on this one immediately, and that means we’ve starting off in the right way. Now we’re going to Phillip Island and for sure I’m happy to test on a track I know well, which should help us to get some further indications for the Desmosedici’s development.”