If you’ve been following Grand Prix racing for a number of years, many of you may remember Franco Battaini.
The Italian rider who presently races in the Italian Supersport series, may become Ducati’s new test rider, replacing the recently promoted Vitto Guareschi.
Battaini used to race in the 250cc GP Championship and in 2005 was in MotoGP with the doomed Blata-WCM team and then did a few races in WSBK’s The Italian rider has already ‘secretly’ tested Casey Stoner’s Ducati at the Mugello racetrack last October doing 18 laps and Battiani describes the peformance of Desmosedici in that occasion as ‘impressive’ despite the bad weather that limited his testing will now get a second opportunity to try the bike at Jerez next month.
“Guareschi is my friend and I’ve known him for years and he’s the one that talked to Ducati about me and they gave me the opportunity to test Stoner’s bike at the Mugello.
It was an incredible experience, even for an expert rider like myself, but the test hasn’t sealed any deal.
”“It’s clear that Vittoriano can no longer keep the role of test rider now that he’s a team manager and Ducati will need a rider to help test the technical solutions that will then be used in the races.
At the moment, I’m honoured that I’ll get another chance at Jerez, I’m free and I’ve never, never expected a chance like this, but I’m keeping my feet on the ground, because Ducati hasn’t offered me anything beyond another test.
”Battaini races with TnT Racing, has an open option with the team for 2010 and according to the rider if he doesn’t receive any other proposals, he’ll be back with them next season.