Canepa working with hand-operated rear brake

After a year testing to improve the Ducati Desmosedici for other riders, Niccolo Canepa is now tailoring the machine to his own requirements for his upcoming debut MotoGP season. The Italian was riding a unique version of the machine on Wednesday in Jerez, with a thumb-operated rear brake taking the place of the regular foot lever.

A rider with plenty of experience in Superstock competition and superbike testing, and with a bigger build than some of his rivals, Canepa felt that controlling the rear by hand would be a more comfortable option for his first year of Grand Prix racing. A similar combination was previously used by production bike specialist Troy Bayliss during his time in the premier class.

`My feet are too big, and I can´t push the rear lever with the foot; I prefer using my hand. I´m still learning the combination, but every lap it gets better and better,´ says Canepa.

`I will definitely use it next year,´ he adds. `It is too difficult for me to use the rear brake like the other riders. It´s a good opportunity to use this system, and I like the feeling.´