Airwaves Ducati Still going Strong in Kyalami
South Africa’s Kyalami circuit was the location for
Airwaves Ducati’s second testing session this year.
After the success of the teams’ first test in Valencia
much expectation surrounded their second outing. Both riders
were excited to be back on their new Ducati 999 F’06
bikes feeling more comfortable and confident with the new
technology.
With an air temperature varying between 25-32 degrees and
a track temperature of 35-40 degrees the conditions were ideal
for a successful few days. Over four days of testing on the
4.263km circuit Leon Haslam rode 1,176km and the 2005 Bennetts
British Superbike Champion Gregorio Lavilla completed 988km.
Between them the two Airwaves Ducati riders used 80 Dunlop
tyres, 400 litres of fuel and the 14 strong team chewed their
way through 40 packets of Wrigley’s Airwaves Chewing
Gum!
It was Leon Haslam who lead the way in the early stages,
and as in Valencia, he recorded the fastest time of the testing
schedule with a 1:41.90 second lap. Defending Champion Lavilla
clocked a fastest lap time of 1:42.20 seconds.
During testing both riders completed a race simulation, averaging
mid 42 second laps, fast enough to win the World Superbike
Race at the Kyalami track in 2002.
Both riders were pleased to be back on the bikes getting
used to them before the 2006 BSB season starts in four weeks
time. Team Manager Colin Wright was also pleased with the
teams’ progress saying,
“We are in a good place considering it is only our
second test, both the riders are happy with their bikes and
the team is working really well. We are all looking forward
to getting to Almeria in a couple of weeks for the next test.”
The Airwaves Ducati team will travel to Almeria in Spain
for their fourth test on the 10th - 13th March.
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