While waiting for the Misano circuit to be overrun by Ducati enthusiasts for the annual World Ducati Week, the two days of testing reserved for Ducati and Aprilia began today. For the manufacturer from Bologna, superstar tester Casey Stoner took to the track, whereas Aprilia had test rider Mike Di Meglio and Sam Lowes on the track, the latter with his first introduction to the RS-GP that will be his companion next year in his MotoGP rookie season.

Under a baking sun that made the asphalt incandescent, the three riders were busy in the morning on brief but frequent outings (about 10 – 15 minutes each), few of which were used as flying laps, especially for Lowes. In the afternoon work intensified in both garages on modifying the bikes, extending the intervals between one outing and the next, but not the duration of them, partly because of the persistent heat.



Assessing day one for the Aprilia camp was Romano Albesiano, Aprilia Racing Manager.

“As for Sam, today was a very particular day since we are talking about a young man who has never ridden a bike more powerful than a 600 and who has never tried carbon discs or many of the other particular components – he explains – This morning it was impressive to see how quickly he adapted to the new bike and at the same time I was struck by the great methodology with which he took on the various issues. It could not have gone any better. Surprised by his meticulousness? Sam is a very boisterous lad and the way he does some things reflects this character of his, but when there is work to be done, he is serious and determined, and this is one of the reasons that led us to count on him for next season."

The work done with Di Meglio was different.

"With Mike, on the other hand, since he is our test rider, we set up the bike to test some updates – Albesiano continued – We have some new chassis components, but more than anything, we focused on the electronics, which is a huge world that needs to be explored. In particular, we are trying to perfect a new torque control method that we took to Assen and that returned conflicting results for our two riders. Anyway, all of the things we are testing are refinements, and the ones that produce positive results in these tests will most likely be taken to the Sachsenring. We’ve had a look at the times, but I’ll just say that we are satisfied”



In the Ducati camp, on the other hand, all lips were sealed on the work done today by two-time world champion Stoner



by Gianmaria Rosati