LORIS CAPIROSSI (DUCATI DESMOSEDICI GP6) MAKES GOOD PROGRESS
WITH BRIDGESTONE TYRES IN SEPANG
The Italian rider, satisfied with the progress achieved by
Bridgestone, continues the development work on bike set-up,
engine and tyres. Sete Gibernau sidelined with a stomach complaint.
Sepang (Malaysia), Wednesday 15 February - After another
morning of sunshine, the typical afternoon storms brought
an early end to the Ducati Marlboro Team's testing session
at the Sepang circuit at about 3.30 pm.
This did not prevent Loris Capirossi from making use of the
dry track time to continue the set-up work on his Ducati Desmosedici.
On the only track that allows comparative data to be accumulated
following the previous test of the GP6 at this circuit, the
Italian focussed on power delivery and engine braking set-up.
Loris was particularly satisfied with the tyres that Bridgestone
has produced on the basis of the indications that emerged
during the first Malaysian test in January.
It was a disappointing day on the other hand for his team-mate
Sete Gibernau. The Spanish rider, who had a sleepless night
due to severe abdominal pains, had to return to the hotel
after just a few laps. When he came back to the circuit in
the afternoon, he was unable to resume testing activity because
of the rain. Just tomorrow's third and final day remains for
the new Ducati Marlboro Team rider to complete his testing
programme.
Loris CAPIROSSI (50 laps - 2m01.87s)
"Today was a really positive day" declared a smiling
Loris. "In the morning we worked on the chassis settings,
engine management and engine braking and we found an excellent
set-up. We also concentrated on testing several new rear tyres.
These are a real step forward over the 'standard' tyres (with
which Loris won the Malaysian GP - Ed.) and I am pleased with
the work carried out by Bridgestone. Tomorrow, thunderstorms
permitting, we have scheduled a long-run to verify the duration
of the tyres, which already looked good anyway in today's
testing".
Sete GIBERNAU (17 laps - 2m02.87s)
"I didn't sleep a wink all night but I wanted to test
at all costs so I came to the circuit early" commented
Sete. "After a few laps I was feeling really sick and
decided to go back and rest in the hotel. At 3 o'clock, I
still didn't feel well but returned to the track to try and
go out again but it started to rain. It just wasn't my day
.. Hopefully tomorrow I'll feel better again because we've
got a lot of things to test".
The Ducati Marlboro Team engineers and riders are hoping
that the weather will remain good tomorrow for the final day
of scheduled testing at the Sepang circuit.
Temperatures: air 30°- 34° / track 36°- 53°
C
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