Ducati Team rider Nicky Hayden optimistic after riding aluminium framed Ducati GP – MotoGP news
Ducati Team rider Nicky Hayden is pleased to test the aluminium framed Ducati Desmosedici GP12 at Jerez.
After Valentino Rossi withdrew from test session due an injury, Hayden was called in for the test.
Hayden said, “We had a good test and the team is working extremely hard. We won't know what we've got until we line up with the other guys on the same track but it is clear we have still got a lot of work to do.”
Rossi sustained a fracture on his left hand’s little finger during the first lap of the Japanese Grand Prix. The Italian banged into Jorge Lorenzo and then hit Ben Spies. Rossi slid into gravel forcing Spies to run wide.
Hayden was called back from Kentucky to Jerez to conduct the test session, as he was returning home from Motegi. Hayden had his first test ride aboard the aluminium Deltabox framed GP12.
The full aluminium Deltabox frame is developed by a British based chassis company, FTR. It has also developed a part aluminium and part carbon fibre chassis for the Desmosedici GP11.1.
Hayden further added, “It was the first time I rode the aluminium front frame and they have done a nice step there but we haven't fixed all our problems. We have more stuff to try, but is has been a nice step. That's why when Valentino tried the bike he
was so desperate to race with it and start from pit row because it is a good step.”
Both Ducati riders have only earned single podium finish yet in the season. The aim for Ducati has been to clear out the performance gap from top Japanese rivals. Honda has dominated the season since the start, even from preseason testing.
The Bologna factory has worked hard to make the Desmosedici a winning challenger and provide Valentino Rossi the best opportunity for success. The winless drought has not been a good feedback for Ducati and Rossi.
The team is at a critical point where it needs to concentrate on the running season and simultaneously develop a machine for 2012.
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