While most of the MotoGP riders are resting during this rare weekend off, Nicky Hayden and the Ducati Marlboro team are on the track at Mugello testing out the GP12. Hayden did 83 laps aboard the GP12 today at Mugello. Valentino Rossi will get his chance to ride tomorrow.
Hayden started his testing session on a damp track due to overnight rain, but was eventually able to push the GP12 as the track started to dry.
“It was a positive day,” Hayden said after the test. “Even if the track conditions this morning weren’t great because of the rain last night. That caused us to get started a bit late, but we worked on the setup and some new changes that have been made to the GP12. I only started having better feeling after the lunch break, when the sun made the track conditions better."
Hayden used the testing session to work on the settings for the new GP12, but also to check to refamiliarize himself with the Mugello track. The MotoGP riders will ride to Mugello over Fourth of July weekend.
“The new asphalt is definitely a big improvement, especially in some spots, like the two Arrabbiate corners, which are really fun now,” Hayden said. “I’m satisfied with the steps forward that have been made with the bike since the first time I tried it, at Jerez. Thanks to Filippo (Preziosi) for giving me the opportunity to ride it again.”
The Ducati team is putting a lot of focus on the 2012 MotoGP season, but they haven’t forgotten about the GP11. Team Manager Vittoriano Guareschi worked on the GP11 with test rider Franco Battaini on Monday.
