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Ducati Kicks Off First Test with Desmosedici GP11

Although the first group test of 2011 is still weeks away, Ducati Marlboro Team decided to take its brand new Desmosedici GP11 to the track in preparation for the Sepang action in February. For the upcoming three days, starting today, official test riders Franco Battaini and Vittoriano Guareschi will take the bike to the track for setting up the last details before MotoGP testing.

As announced by Ducati's media website, the two riders got on the saddle of the Desmosedici GP11 on the Jerez race track, less than a week after its Wroom unveiling. Due to high humidity in the morning, neither of the two riders were able to lap the Spanish circuit until mid day.

At the end of the running however, Guareschi had managed to do some 50 laps, focusing on chassis development and improving turn-in, while team manager and tester Franco Battaini concentrated “on the electronics, including the new anti-wheelie and anti-spin systems” during his 60 laps around the Jerez track.

It was a very productive day, even though the track’s grip was really bad, in part because of the high humidity and in part because the F3 test that took place until yesterday left the asphalt quite dirty,” said Guareschi.

I think I found a couple of interesting things with set-up that help with the front-end feel. We worked on ride height, seat position, and on many aspects of bike set-up that will help with all of the data-acquisition work that are necessary to be ready for Malaysia, when Vale and Nicky will ask us to change the bike in various ways.”

The first test of the winter, during which Valentino Rossi and Nicky Hayden will take the Desmosedici GP11 to the track at Sepang International Circuit, will kick off on February 1st.
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