CALAFAT TEST A SUCCESS FOR AIRWAVES DUCATI
Airwaves Ducati today completed their second successful test
of 2008. The 2.02 mile Calafat circuit presented some difficult
conditions for the riders but both were pleased with their
performance throughout the 4 day test.
With an average air temperature of 22 degrees and a track
temperature of 31 degrees, the strong winds posed the biggest
challenge to the Airwaves Ducati riders. Leon Camier was unfortunate
to crash on day 3 of the test, having completed 124 laps.
Shane Byrne completed 214 laps and was able to take advantage
of the more favourable conditions on the final day, setting
a fastest time of 1:24.90.
Having injured his shoulder in yesterday’s crash, Leon
Camier was unable to ride his Ducati 1098R today but was confident
about his performance and recovery.
“I am feeling alright, I have damaged the back of my
arm and my shoulder but I don’t think it is too serious.
We have had some really windy conditions here; it pushed me
off balance as I was entering the chicane, sending me into
the gravel and over the handle bars! I felt sore today so
I wasn’t able to go out. It was disappointing as before
I crashed I had a bit of a breakthrough, I was getting quicker,
feeling more confident and despite the wind I was pushing
hard. On the whole it has been a good test and the bike is
feeling more like my own now. Hopefully I will be able to
test at Snetterton and get some final things sorted before
Brands Hatch.”
Shane Byrne was pleased with his performance at Calafat saying;
“It has been a good test although the conditions have
been frustrating. The strong winds have meant that it has
been hard to consistently improve our lap times. The weather
today has been much better, my times have been falling and
I think I went a tenth quicker in this mornings’ session.
I feel I have achieved my targets for this test and it stands
us in good stead for Snetterton where we have some ideas to
try which should make us even quicker ahead of the start of
the season.”
Team manager Colin Wright added; “On the completion
of our European testing we are very excited and are looking
forward to the start of the 2008 championship. We have achieved
everything we set out to do in pre season testing; familiarising
our riders with the Ducati 1098R; special thanks must go to
new partners Pirelli tyres and Motul who have seamlessly integrated
themselves into the team. Leon and Shane have slotted into
the Airwaves Ducati team superbly and we are confident for
the year ahead.”
Airwaves Ducati will attend the official BSB test at Snetterton
on 22nd – 24th March before the season commences on
April 6th 2008.
|
