From a press release issued by Scuderia SC Caracchi-NCR:

SATISFATION IN THE TEAM FOR ALMERIA’S TEST

(Bologna, 2004 December 24)


Back from the two-day test in the South of Spain, on the track of Almeria, marked by a polar cold weather, Stefano Caracchi looks to be quite satisfied about the work done on the 749R Ducati, which has been rode either by Gianluca Nannelli, for comparison test with the absorbers, as by Fonsi Nieto for a first contact with a 4 stroke machine to evaluate the possibility by the Spanish rider to contest the World Superbike.

“The only negative point of view of those test days has been the cold, proper for a polar expedition.” – jokes the team owner Stefano Caracchi – “Our aim was to allow Fonsi Nieto to get confidence on a 4 stroke bike, to evaluate the possibility for a co-operation during next season and after this test an agreement looks to be very close. Fonsi, during the final day with dry but very very cold track, made 33 laps and did appreciate the bike’s handling, spending also words of praise for the whole team saying “I’d be proud to work with them for the harmony reigning in the team”. The contact with Fonsi goes on incessantly and we hope to come early to a positive conclusion. The presence of a fast Spanish rider in the Superbike series should be a great success from which all the championship could get a great benefit. Gianluca too, hardly engaged in shock absorber test, is satisfied for this test. Despite the frozen track we found an excellent grip solution and all the team is gratified. The happiest is of course Gianluca, who has a more and more better feeling with the 749R..”