Written by:
SPEED Staff
SPEEDtv.com
11/11/2009
Valencia (ESP)
Positive End To Final Test Of 2009 For Ducati
The Ducati Marlboro Team completed its final test session of 2009 in positive fashion today as Casey Stoner and Nicky Hayden ended up fastest and third fastest respectively on the time sheets at Valencia.
The pair have been impressed with the updates to their machine brought to the circuit by Filippo Preziosi and the whole team is now looking forward to next season, with preparations due to continue in Malaysia nella during the first week of February.
Casey Stoner (Ducati Marlboro Team) 1st; 1’31.899 (35 laps)
“We were able to understand the bike a little better today and the fantastic weather conditions certainly helped. It was a pleasant surprise when we got up this morning and it allowed us to work well. I’m satisfied with this three day test and with the new characteristics of the bike, in particular the extra traction in corner exit. It is still difficult to figure out exactly the best time to open the throttle but we’re getting there and it is a case of more practice and improving the set-up. It is nice to be going into the break in good physical shape, without any injuries to get over like in the past two years, so that we can formulate a physical training program to be in the best possible shape for next season.”
Nicky Hayden (Ducati Marlboro Team), 3rd; 1’32.805: (48 laps)
“We worked on confirming a few things today and I think we found what we were looking for. I like the changes we’ve introduced to the bike, the power delivery is definitely more progressive although we still need to find the ideal setting for it. I got my lap times down by a couple of tenths today, thanks to the new Bridgestone tires, which are great. I’m happy – I think we’re on the right tracks and we have had three important days here that should help us make a lot of progress in the next test and close the gap to the front guys down even more. I want to thank the team because it is never easy after a such a demanding season and a long weekend to go testing for three days. So thanks to all my mechanics and to my brother Tommy for being here with me, and everybody working back at Ducati. I think we can all be proud of the progress we have made this season and look ahead to next year in really positive spirits.”
