MotoGP – Valencia Test Day 1 – Stoner and Hayden's comments

Casey Stoner – best time 1'32.464 (54 laps)

“The sensations of this first day with the GP9 were definitely good. We tried many things, some worked, others less so, but that's normal because the bike is quite different in its characteristics and reactions from the GP8. We still have many other things to try but the feeling is already excellent and in fact we managed to lap consistently fast. I am very happy with the behavior of the engine, which seems more progressive and predictable to me. The bike is also more stable when braking, which is saying something because the GP8 was already very good from this point of view. We still have to work on the rear set up but the potential is good, it's just a question of finding the right set up. I'm also satisfied with the tyres, especially with the one we used this morning, with which we were able to maintain an excellent pace for thirty laps. A good start from all points of view. I think Nicky is also happy with his first day on the Ducati, he progressively improved during the day and I'm sure that with a few more days on the bike he will already feel very comfortable."

Nicky Hayden – best time 1'33.960 (79 laps)

“It was a very intense day full of many things to experience and understand, and it was exactly what I expected. I only did one outing with the GP8 and then I always drove the GP9. Obviously there is a lot of work to do but I'm happy, it was a good day which made me understand that the bike has great potential and above all I can say I had fun. This first day gave me the opportunity to appreciate both the bike and the team. One of the things that impressed me the most was the acceleration. For the rest I found myself at ease on the saddle, I immediately liked the riding position so much so that I didn't have to make many changes regarding the position of the footrests and handlebars. We didn't even change the setting, we made some small changes to try to understand the bike a little at a time."

Official Record: Casey Stoner (Ducati – 2008) 1'32.582
Pole position: Valentino Rossi (Yamaha – 2006), 1'31.002