From a press release issued by Ducati Corse:
SBK VALENCIA TEST – DAY 1
Ducati Corse Press
The first day of testing for the Ducati Corse team at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit saw Ducati’s two 2003 factory riders, Neil Hodgson and Ruben Xaus out on the track together for the first time. Some of the protagonists of next year’s World Superbike Championship were also at the test: James Toseland and Chris Walker with the HM-Plant Ducati team, Steve Martin, Juan Borja and Marco Borciani with Team DFX Pirelli and, with the new Anglo-Malaysian Foggy Petronas team, Troy Corser and James Haydon.
Ruben Xaus
Two new 999 Factory ‘03 bikes were made available for Hodgson and Xaus, who were able to test the latest modifications made by the Italian manufacturer’s engineers over the last few weeks.
The best time of the day was set by Xaus, in 1:35.7. The Spanish rider immediately got to grips with the new bike, covering a total of 58 laps, and at the end of the day Ruben said he was very pleased with the feeling he had reached with the 999.
Neil Hodgson
Neil Hodgson only managed to complete ten laps, due to a series of minor problems which, however, compromised today’s scheduled workload.
Testing continues tomorrow and Monday.