Valentino Rossi, Nicky Hayden to test new 2012 Ducati Desmosedici GP12 – MotoGP news
Valentino Rossi and Nicky Hayden have been called to test the new GP12 at the Jerez circuit just after few days of the Spanish Grand Prix.
Initially, the new Ducati Desmosedici GP12 was test in a shakedown test at Jerez de la Frontera, carried out by Franco Battaini and Vittoriano Guareschi with positive results. The test left to be continued by the Ducati Team riders Valentino Rossi
and Nicky Hayden.
Five days prior to the Gran Premio bwin de Espana, Rossi returned to Jerez circuit for a private test by Ducati in continuance to proceed the GP12 testing.
The several times World Champion, Valentino Rossi took his first lap on the Ducati GP12 on early Friday, under bright sun light at Jerez de la Frontera. The day was perfect for a test but some blowing winds were causing a hindrance. Rossi started his
test just before afternoon and completed a session with six laps remaining on the count. With a first session, flawless completion of the test was carried out throughout the whole day ending it with a 50 lap run.
“I’m happy,” Valentino Rossi said after the test. “I like the GP12. In my opinion, it’s more enjoyable, more fun to ride. It was the first time we had it on the track, so we had some work to do, but the engine is nicer. It’s a lot of fun, and you can
do some nice slides.”
This is the prototype for the next season as the new regulations have ruled out the 800cc class and called the 1000cc back for the race. Rossi was very excited to have a ride on new GP12 and to be among the first few riders to test Ducati machine on
track.
Vittoriano Guareschi, who had a shakedown test on Thursday together with Battaini, supervised the Rossi’s test on Friday. Guareschi was joined by the Filippo Preziosi in the briefing sessions between the test runs. While Franco Battaini carried a test
on the GP11 electronics and chassis settings, as Rossi has required after facing under-steer issues.
In the enhancement testing of the GP11 with full pace, Battaini will support Rossi and Hayden with engineers for the chassis structure and mechanics from the factory team, Filippo Preziosi, Technical Director looking after the operations.
Filippo Preziosi chose the team riders for the test of new prototype which will be very helpful for the engineers to direct in the right path for improvements. Saturday will be the day for Nicky Hayden t test the new Ducati GP12.
“To be able to work with Vale for a full day is more than any technician could ask. We gathered considerable feedback that we’ll translate into further design and development for next year’s bike,” Guareschi said.
Tags: