Very fast Ducati in Barcelona, ​​Loris Capirossi sets the new speed record with 325.9 km/h…. Honda beaten….

RECORD IN BARCELONA FOR THE DUCATI MARLBORO TEAM: CAPIROSSI (325.9 Kmh) AND BAYLISS (322.4) THE FASTEST

Catalunya (Barcelona-Spain) 15 March 2003 – First official comparison for the MotoGP teams, engaged on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 March on the Spanish circuit of Catalunya (Barcelona) for the official IRTA tests.

An important and extremely positive day for the Ducati Marlboro Team, which recorded the absolute maximum speed ever achieved in MotoGP, with 325.9 km/h reached by Loris Capirossi, (going below the 324,5 recorded at Mugello during the last GP) followed closely by Troy Bayliss who recorded an equally sensational 322.4 km/h.

In addition to this fantastic performance, the balance of the day sees, however, a further affirmation of the "Reds of Borgo Panigale" with Loris Capirossi also author of a lap time (1.44"370) which confirms his excellent state of form. The tests continued until late afternoon, when it started raining.

“We are satisfied with the speed – commented Corrado Cecchinelli, Technical Director of the Ducati Marlboro Team – to even set the best time we still have to work on set-up, traction and handling. Today's test was extremely positive, Loris did great things, Troy improved and was able to get to know this circuit better, and both were able to do a few laps with the 2003 Michelin tyres.”

“Obviously I can only be satisfied with the speed achieved – said Loris at the end of the first day of testing – I knew from the first test on the Desmosedici that we could be the fastest. However, what makes me even happier is that I have reached an excellent level in general, and today's weather confirms this. I used a different bike which, due to the adverse weather conditions, I had not been able to test thoroughly in Jerez and Estoril. We are at a good level, we still have some work to do on grip and traction, this means we still have room for growth.”

A day of great work, testing and learning for Troy Bayliss, who completed as many laps as possible to learn this difficult and demanding track. Troy (1.46"880 his best time) still made progress compared to Thursday's tests.

“It's a difficult circuit to learn – said Bayliss after the 49 laps completed – but lap after lap I feel like I'm progressing. As happened in Jerez the first time I rode on that circuit, I have to find the right rhythm and, at the same time, continue with the set-up of the bike. The speed achieved today confirms that the potential is there, I must be able to make the most of it. Today's progress makes me confident.”