MotoGP – Valencia Day 1 – Ducati protagonists

The fastest driver on the track in this Friday of testing in Valencia, at least in terms of consistency of performance. Carlos Checa could be the surprise at the Autodromo Ricardo Tormo, in his last race with Ducati, to silence, as Troy Bayliss did last year, those who showed him the door. Best time in the morning, second in the afternoon: in short, not bad...

“What impressed me most today was the progress the bike has made compared to last year. Here in Valencia I tried the Desmosedici for the first time in November, 12 months later it almost seems like another bike. Improved power, acceleration, speed in slow corners, grip... Okay, there were other tyres, but these improvements really amazed me. This morning we started very well with the best time, then in the afternoon the temperatures rose and we suffered a bit at the rear. We will work on this, but the conditions for thinking big are there..."

A few more problems instead for Capirossi. The fifth fastest time of the afternoon was excellent, but perhaps the consistency of performance on the race pace is lacking. Which we will find out tomorrow between free practice and qualifying...

“I expected this return to be easier. The Mobile Clinic and Doctor Costa have made me new again, and the times confirm it. What I perhaps lack is consistency: I haven't done more than 6 consecutive laps, I don't know if I'll be able to maintain the same pace for the entire duration of the race. Every now and then I feel pain, I have no problems on the single lap, but not just at my best..."

Alessio Piana