Wow! We certainly didn’t expect that Ducati would reveal photos and a video with sound of the GP12 and Valentino Rossi in action to the watchful eyes of competitors and fans when they tested today at Jerez, but they did and kudos to them and their publicity department for doing it.
They certainly know how to grab the attention.
So how did the first test go after putting in the first 50 laps? Here’s what Valentino Rossi had to say, “I’m happy.
I like the GP12.
In my opinion, it’s more enjoyable, more fun to ride.
It was the first time we had it on the track, so we had some work to do, but the engine is nicer.
It’s a lot of fun, and you can do some nice slides.
It’s the bike we’ll ride next year, so it was very important—and also very nice—to be among the first to take it on the track.
” Also on-hand was the daddy of all of Ducati’s GP bikes, technical director Filippo Preziosi, who couldn’t miss seeing his newest born in action.
“We chose to have our factory riders, today Vale, tomorrow Nicky to try the bike beginning with its first test, because we think their feedback is essential for starting us on the right path for the early development.
To be able to work with Vale for a full day is more than any technician could ask.
We gathered considerable feedback that we’ll translate into further design and development for next year’s bike.
The positive thing is that the technical choices made for the GP12 in the initial planning phase, in 2010—and I’m referring primarily to the engine, which is still a big-bang, and to the rear end—were endorsed by Valentino.
This gives us great satisfaction, and we’re optimistic about the work that still remains to be done.
We know that our competitors are also working hard and developing their 2012 bikes, but that just makes the challenge better.
”