From a press release issued by Scuderia Caracchi NCR Nortel Networks:

The bad weather shuts off the Misano’s test of Gianluca Nannelli

(Misano Adriatico 2004, September 16)

The atrocious weather conditions on the Adriatic coast did shut off the practice day organised by Team Xerox Ducati Nortel Networks today on the Santamonica circuit for the first contact of Gianluca Nannelli on the 999RS that the Florentine rider will ride in the final rounds of 2004 World Superbike at Imola and Magny Cours.

The incessant rain allowed to Gianluca “Conann” Nannelli only a few laps on the flooded track, just 18, and Nannelli could just set the bike for his requirements, the riding position and start to know his new team.

“Of course with those weather conditions I’m not able to give a fair judgement on the 999RS”. – Said Gianluca Nannelli, soaking wet but satisfied at the end of the test – “The rain didn’t stop a moment and I must ride always with rain tyres on. But also is this has been my first approach I could appreciate the working system of the team, I esteem the bike and I got a good feeling easily. But for sure un a dry track and in the racing fight it will be another thing. The Xerox 999RS Ducati feels more aggressive as the 998RS I rode still now, but I must know that just riding today this bike, which has been one of the fastest during all the season, I’m able to appraise as my 998RS that Donato Pedercini got at my disposition still now is a very good bike and I wish to thank him for giving me the possibility to put me in a good light. Now we’ll ride in Imola and Magny Cours, two circuits where last year I made good performances that I’m confident to repeat this year too.”

Also Stefano Caracchi, Team Xerox Ducati Nortel Networks team manager, is satisfied for today’s first approach.

“Gianluca showed today too, under the flood, that his will to ride a bike is inexhaustible.” – commented Caracchi – “I had any hesitation to enter the track with the flooded track and, rejoining the pit, gave correct information following the experience reached by the team during the season. We are sure that our decision about Gianluca is good and we are confident that “Nanna”, together Garry McCoy and Miguel Praia, will be able to give to our sponsor all the satisfaction missing in the final events after the splendid season’s debut in Australia and Monza.”

Gianluca Nannelli profile

Born in Florence 1973, August 22

2003 – Supersport Italian Champion (Yamaha)

– 15th Supersport World Championship (Yamaha)

2002 – 9th Supersport Italian Championship (Ducati)

– 22nd Supersport World Championship (Ducati)

2001 – 4th Supersport Italian Championship (Ducati)

– 5th Supersport European Championship (Ducati)