Ducati Team's Jorge Lorenzo and Andrea Dovizioso were back on track after the French GP at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya ahead of the Catalan GP in two weeks, with the Meditarranean venue having been modified through Turns 14 and 15 and work concentrating on setting up for the race with the new layout. Lorenzo did 146 laps, 'DesmoDovi' 123, and both riders found "positive solutions" and had good things to say about the Michelin front tyres brought to the test.
Also on track since Monday was the Ducati Test Team - with double MotoGP™ World Champion Casey Stoner and Michele Pirro. The Australian tested on Monday, before handing over to Pirro for the subsequent two days.
The Ducati riders concentrated mainly on the search for an optimal set-up for the Catalan race.
Jorge Lorenzo, 1:43.998: “It was a very interesting test. In two days I did about 150 laps, notching up a lot of kilometres and we found some positive solutions. I was also the fastest Ducati rider on both days. Overall we are competitive in every sector, but we are still losing a few tenths in the final part and so we will have to improve here in view of the race. As for the front tyre, Michelin have done a good job, bringing a couple of tyres that resolve the problem of graining on the right side, but we still have to find a solution for the rear.”
Andrea Dovizioso, 1:45.067: “We did a lot of laps in these two days of testing, with temperatures that should be similar to what we will find in the race in a couple of weeks, and it was important because in the last few years we’ve always struggled at this track. My fastest lap was not so fast but we are not too bad with our race pace. It was also important to come and get an idea of the front tyre wear; Michelin brought several tyres to try and we found some good solutions. The track, after the modification to the chicane, is not as nice as before but it is safer now.”