MotoGP – QP1 Assen – Ducati – Rain and strong winds for the first day

Assen (Holland) Thursday 24 June 2004 – The Ducati Marlboro Team riders Troy Bayliss and Loris Capirossi concluded the qualifying tests of the first day of the Assen weekend in 5th and 11th position respectively. The weather conditions were particularly difficult, but in line with the "tradition" of the TT, with strong winds and violent downpours of rain.

Both riders have at their disposal one bike equipped with the Four Pulse engine and the other with the new Twin Pulse. The latter is characterized by 4 exhausts and a deeper noise than the previous version and, thanks to the irregular bursts, offers greater traction when exiting corners. Both Loris and Troy tested the new engine on the Monday after the Catalunya GP and obtained the same positive impressions.

“Today was a very particular day, with heavy and frequent showers of rain” – says Livio Suppo, director of the Ducati Marlboro Team. “Troy worked well, mainly using the “traditional” engine which, as we saw in Jerez, allows him to go fast in the wet. Loris started the day with the traditional engine and then switched to the Twin Pulse, which he prefers and which he finds easier to drive. I think the weekend started well and I hope that tomorrow the weather will be more lenient."

Ducati Press