DUCATI CORSE:

Mattia Pasini today concluded testing of the Ducati GP9 at the Mugello circuit, having enjoyed three days of warm, sunny weather in which he was able to improve his knowledge of the Desmosedici and demonstrate continuous progress. During these days he experienced two falls (yesterday and today) but this did not deter  him and he began to test different set-ups, in order to adapt the bike to his riding style. A positive experience for him and also for Ducati’s technicians who appreciated his positive and determined character as well as the data he was able to provide. The Italian rider today registered a best time of 1m51.9s out of 40 laps completed. Vittoriano Guareschi, who was testing different updates for 2010, obtained a fastest time of 1m51.7s before he too fell, thus concluding his session.

“It was really a great and positive experience and I think I could have recorded a faster personal best,” commented Mattia Pasini at the end of the test. “Unfortunately I fell this morning at the “Correntaio”, having made a strong start to the day with a good feeling due to the changes we had made towards the end of yesterday’s session. The changes made a difference as today I immediately went a second faster in the first exit. I didn’t injure myself too badly but hurt my neck which perhaps affected my riding; I think that otherwise I would have been able to drop another second before the end of the day. Anyway, I repeat that it has been a fantastic experience and I thank Ducati and the team who have looked after me during these three days. We will see each other again at Estoril next week.”

“During this test I was able to personally verify that Mattia is capable of riding a MotoGP bike despite the difficulties”, said Filippo Preziosi. “This is possible only thanks to his unnatural talent and extraordinary determination. Today we have learned a lesson that goes deeper than the, albeit interesting, technical data that we’ve collected thanks to Mattia’s comments. I am certain that we’ll remember this test for a long time to come.”