Ducati team riders Valentino Rossi and Nicky Hayden test their developments at Le Mans - MotoGP News
The Ducati riders Valentino Rossi and Nicky Hayden gave a thumbs up to the new chassis and engine enhancements tested at the post-race test at Estoril on May 2.
The Ducati duo will put the test results into practice while running their Desmosedici at the Monster Energy Grand Prix de France on the Le Mans circuit.
The re-designed chassis can be used immediately, but the limits to use only six engines in one season can create problems. The engines which have been re-set for better performance can be tested within limits, to prevent the mileage use before they can run
the power units in the main race.
Vittoriano Guareschi, the team Manager said, “Nicky and Valentino were both pleased with the work we did during the post-race test at Estoril and now the team will try to do everything it can to adapt to the GP11 to a circuit that's very different from the
one in Portugal.”
Guareschi added to his words that the team is hoping to have a dry warm day for the main race. Every hour and every moment on the track is important according to the team’s preparation.
In the past the French track has proved to be tough for the Ducati machines and riders. The Italian manufacturer has just scored two podiums at the French venue since their debut MotoGP season 2003, it was Loris Capirossi on second place in 2006 and the
other was claimed by Casey Stoner at third place in 2007.
Hayden said, “Traditionally, Le Mans hasn't been a good track for me. I've never had a podium or a front row there, but I was fourth there last year, which was my best-ever result. You can't really make too much out of that, but we'll try to take the information
we collected during the test at Estoril and see if we can put it to good use in France.”
Hayden was only able to score third place on the podium for Ducati in the second round at Jerez, while the veteran Valentino Rossi has finished in fifth place in both Spanish and Portuguese event.
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