As you all know, the 2012 MotoGP season will witness the debut of new engine rules in the series, with a maximum capacity of 1000cc. While yet to announce whether they will use that capacity in full or not, Ducati have already done some testing for their 2012 programme with factory riders Franco Battaini and Vittoriano Guareschi.
Today, it will be Rossi's turn to feel his 2012-spec machine for the first time, on the Spanish track, after which his teammate will take over for some running on Saturday.
In parallel with the action on Jerez, where Ducati scored their first podium of the season through Hayden last weekend, the Italian team's mechanics will continue to focus on the development of the GP11. However, a part of the engineers will head to Spain to work closely with the duo, and alongside technical director Filippo Preziosi.
The test was possible thanks to the 4-week break in the 2011 MotoGP calendar, following the postponement of the Japanese Grand Prix at Motegi. The upcoming round on schedule is to take place on May 1, at Estoril.
Following the GP12 test this weekend, both Ducati riders will take a vacation from MotoGP action until later this month. And that's great news for Rossi, whose shoulder is yet to fully heal from the surgery he sustained late last year.
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