Pasini Enjoys Fun Test with Ducati at Mugello

Mattia Pasini concluded a successful first day of testing for Ducati's works team, at Mugello circuit in Italy. The 24-year old rider was asked by the Italian manufacturer to do a 3-day testing session prior to the Portuguese Grand Prix, therefore triggering speculation that former world champion Casey Stoner might not be ready in time to make it to the Estoril event.

The Australian missed the last 3 races in the MotoGP calendar due to extreme fatigue and is expected to join the field in Portugal. He was replaced by Pramac's Mika Kallio at Ducati during his 3-race absence, but the Finnish rider is likely to return to his former team for the race two weekends from now.

Working under the close watch of Filippo Preziosi – and alongside test rider Vittoriano Guareschi – Pasini rode the Desmosedici for 56 laps on Wednesday and immediately felt comfortable with the 800cc machinery. His time, 1:52.8, was affected however by the slippery track at Mugello.

“It is so much fun to ride the Ducati here at Mugello - this is the circuit to do it at! The surface was a little slippery and we're not here to set super fast lap times but by the end we weren't going slowly either. I spent this morning 'getting my eye in' for the track and the speed, which is probably more difficult here (than other circuits), but after that we were able to start making a few little changes to adapt the bike to my riding style,” said Pasini.

“This is a wonderful experience for which I would like to thank Ducati once again. I can't wait for tomorrow because it is important to have more than a single day on the bike and to get back on it after sleeping on things overnight and allowing all the feelings and excitement of today to sink in,” added the Italian rider.

Pasini is currently 5th overall in the 250cc class (one win in 2009), riding a Team Toth prepared Aprilia in his rookie year in the quarter litre category.