Ducati Team completes weather-affected test at Valencia

As was the case yesterday, today’s second and final day of the post-race MotoGP test at the Valencia circuit saw track time limited by weather conditions. Overnight rains dampened the circuit, and sprinkles throughout the morning had the Desmosedicis of Ducati Team riders Nicky Hayden and Andrea Dovizioso confined to the garage. Finally, just before 3:30 p.m., the slow-drying asphalt was in good enough condition for both riders to head out on slick tyres, and they rode off-and-on until the track closed at 5:00 p.m.

Nicky Hayden, Ducati Marlboro Team

Photo by: Ducati Corse

The American tested a new frame with a different stiffness than the standard version. Meanwhile, his new teammate had his first experience with the bike in dry conditions, and in the brief time at his disposition, he worked on an initial electronic setup.

The Ducati Team and its riders will return to the track for a test at the Jerez circuit November 28-30.

Nicky Hayden

“It looked like we might not be able to go out today, so I’m happy that we got to do some riding. That’s why you don’t give up and go home early! We didn’t make any huge gains or anything, but I got to test some things, and it was time well spent. I think the new frame helped improve the turning, and I also tried some things with the electronics, as well as a different suspension link that I had already tried earlier in the year. The track actually wasn’t bad, apart from a couple of wet patches. Anyway, it’s too early to draw any conclusions, but we look forward to the next test.”

Andrea Dovizioso

“We only had about an hour and a half and it was pretty overcast, with wet patches, so the conditions were difficult for my first impression in the dry. It wasn’t the occasion to try lots of changes, so we weren’t able to set the bike up perfectly. Still, the lap time is quite good, and so is the feeling. Of course it’s always a big change to switch bikes, and it takes time to understand. Hopefully we’ll have good weather for the test in Jerez.”

Filippo Preziosi, Technical Director

“I’m very happy with the test. Unfortunately, the weather was bad, so today we only had four or five exits in dry conditions. Still, Nicky had a reasonable gap to the front, and Dovi did his best lap times with a tyre that had some laps on it. Nicky liked the new frame, which seemed to improve turning, but we have to try it again at Jerez. Considering the circumstances, we got some good information, and the mood is very positive. I’m pleased with the way the team is working, and I’m optimistic for the future.”

Ducati