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The Ducati Marlboro Team head to Catalunya for the MotoGP Official Test in optimistic mood. Private tests in Malaysia and Australia have seen Loris Capirossi and new signing Sete Gibernau top the time boards on several occasions.
With a multitude of improvements for the Desmosedici GP6 – including a more powerful and controlled engine with less fuel consumption and a lighter, stiffer bike- impressive progress has also been made by Bridgestone tyres to put the riders in the best shape possible.
Ducati MotoGP project leader Livio Suppo sees no reason why the upcoming Test won’t see a continuation of their impressive form.
“Catalunya is a big weekend for everyone, with an atmosphere similar to a real race! After many tests in faraway countries it’s nice to be back in Europe. And it’s great that most of our tests have gone well for us, apart from our last visit to Sepang which was spoiled by rain and Sete’s sickness”
“I’m very happy with the atmosphere within the team. Loris and Sete know each other well and are working together very effectively, which is so important at this stage of the season”
Rider Loris Capirossi is eager to take to the track, which he will get the chance to do from Friday.
“I’m really looking forward to the Catalunya tests because it’s the first official appointment of 2006 and it opens a new and exciting season. We are happy with the work we’ve done during our winter tests, every session has been very positive and profitable, except maybe for our most recent Sepang test which was affected by rain” said the Italian, who also paid tribute to the Desmocedici GP6.
“The new GP6 is already as competitive as the GP5 was last year. I’m really pleased about this because we can only improve from what is already a good base. Catalunya will be very important because it will help us to understand the full extent of progress made by Bridgestone. I’ve got great confidence in Bridgestone and in the team and I’m ready to work hard, to close my visor and open the throttle!”
Sete Gibernau, the newcomer to the team, has already finished highly in many private tests, but has recently experienced setbacks through rain and stomach complaints which have disrupted his rhythm somewhat.
“The team and I are working really well together, it’s a real pleasure to work with people who show such passion and commitment. We have been chipping away at a few things, several aspects of the bike that we need to understand better. At the moment the whole ball game is making the bike more predictable and consistent, so we can have a machine that gives consistent performance at every track and throughout the whole race. I want to instil this mentality, so that Ducati can have a bike that can fight for podium at every race, not just in some races. In this respect Catalunya is going to be very important for us, just like every test session.” said the Spaniard.
Ducati, along with the rest of the premier class field, take to the track from Thursday to Sunday.
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