From a press release issued by Ducati Corse:

MARLBORO TEAM – PRESS INFORMATION
April 14-15 2003
Mugello (Italy)

DUCATI MARLBORO TEAM COMPLETES TWO-DAY MUGELLO TEST

Just ten days after Ducati’s extraordinary MotoGP debut at Suzuka in Japan – where Loris Capirossi and Troy Bayliss powered to third and fifth place respectively with the Desmosedici – the Ducati Marlboro Team’s intense development programme has been continuing at Mugello.

Bayliss, Capirossi and official test-rider Vittoriano Guareschi have been carrying out a series of important tests at the Tuscan circuit aimed at finding the right set-up for the bikes for the Italian Grand Prix, scheduled for Sunday 8 June at Mugello.

The riders were riding the development team bikes because the ones used in Japan were sent directly to South Africa for the Welkom race on Sunday 27 April.

Bayliss tested several front suspension geometry solutions aimed at improving his feeling with the Desmosedici, while Capirossi, who was riding a Ducati at Mugello for the first time, focussed on race set-up. Guareschi concentrated on front suspension settings and also tried out a new rear swing-arm. In collaboration with Michelin engineers, the riders also tried out numerous tyres, recording some interesting times. Loris (1m52.7s) and Troy (1m52.8s) lapped at virtually the same pace after using 2003 race tyres throughout the two-day test.

“We are continuing to test a series of new components to help improve the bike’s performance” declared Ducati Corse technical director Filippo Preziosi. “Each part is first given to Vittoriano, who gives his ‘OK’ and is then handed over to Loris and Troy, so as to speed up the work and not waste too much time.”

“We’ve been playing a lot with different front settings in these two days, and I’m really starting to enjoy the feeling with the bike. I have found something that I like at the front and the set-up looks good for Mugello” commented Troy.

“I am really pleased with this two-day test” declared Loris. “It’s the first time I’ve ever lapped Mugello on a Ducati and the Desmosedici seems to adapt well to the circuit. I tested a number of things at the front to improve the bike set-up for the Mugello race.”

It is worth pointing out that less than one year ago the bike was still in its design stage and the engine had not even been fired up, a further demonstration of the progress made in the last few months by the Ducati Desmosedici.

After the excellent results at Suzuka, the Italian public were present at Mugello to cheer on the Ducati riders. More than 500 ‘ducatisti’ were able to follow the first day of testing, thanks to collaboration with the Mugello circuit, which opened its gates to the public for the first time at a test day.