From a press release issued by Ducati Corse:

DUCATI MARLBORO TEAM TESTING CONCLUDES POSITIVELY AT JEREZ WITH SUPERB TIMES FOR CAPIROSSI (1:42.8) AND BAYLISS (1:43.1)

Jerez (Spain) 26 November 2003 – Ducati Marlboro Team MotoGP testing – The weather cleared up considerably for today’s third and final day of testing at Jerez de la Frontera for the Ducati Marlboro Team, after the rain of the previous two days. Capirossi and Bayliss were both able to take advantage of the good conditions to try out several new components for the 2004 version of the Desmosedici.

The Ducati Marlboro Team riders put in a considerable number of laps around the Spanish GP circuit today. Loris Capirossi completed a total of 46, recording the quickest time in 1:42.8, while Troy Bayliss set his fastest time of the day, 1:43.1, during his run of 52 laps.
Loris and Troy lapped in a superb pace throughout the test session. Their 2003 Desmosedici bikes were in race set-up, and both riders also tried out a series of new Michelin front tyres.

“We are really pleased with today’s performance” declared Ducati Marlboro Team technical director Corrado Cecchinelli. “We lapped a lot quicker than last May’s GP race pace on this track, despite the track temperature today being a lot colder. These three days of testing have confirmed that we are working in the right direction in the development of next year’s Desmosedici”.

The Ducati Marlboro Team will continue its pre-2004 testing programme at the Valencia circuit in Spain with Loris and Troy from 10-12 December.