Barberá continues Ducati apprenticeship at Jerez

A fortnight after he rode the Ducati Desmosedici for the first time at the post-season Valencia test, Héctor Barberá was given the opportunity to take out the 800cc machine he will ride in his debut MotoGP season in 2010.

On the first of three scheduled days of testing for the Aspar rider at Jerez, Barberá came up against rain as he gained valuable experience of riding the Ducati prototype on a wet track.

Throughout Thursday morning Barberá continued his education aboard the bike, and despite the rain stopping at midday the track failed to dry sufficiently, so the team decided to work in the garage and avoid an unnecessary fall. Barberá completed 35 laps and recorded a fastest turn of 1’50.5 towards the end of his session.

“The first day has been very positive, because I have ridden on water and achieved a decent time,” said Barberá. “I adapted quickly to the track conditions and the modifications we have made.”

“It was a pity we had to finish early because there are many things that still need to be tested. Anyway, I’m very satisfied with the feeling of the bike after the first day. To find a comfortable feeling when riding on water is complicated at the beginning, so it is more than enough reason to be happy. Here in Jerez I’ve realised the bike has plenty of power and incredible traction.”

Barberá added, “Each time I get on the Ducati I feel it’s mine a little more and I enjoy driving it more, and I think that’s a good sign of progression. The day was short and we could not ride with slicks or wets, so it would have been stupid to continue and risk having a fall.”

The Aspar team plans to continue testing until Saturday, weather permitting, as the forecast for days two and three is rain.