The Italian rider, satisfied with the progress achieved by Bridgestone,
continues the development work on bike set-up, engine and tyres. Sete
Gibernau sidelined with a stomach complaint.
Sepang (Malaysia), Wednesday 15 February - After another morning of
sunshine, the typical afternoon storms brought an early end to the
Ducati Marlboro Team's testing session at the Sepang circuit at about
3.30 pm.
This did not prevent Loris Capirossi from making use of the dry track
time to continue the set-up work on his Ducati Desmosedici. On the only
track that allows comparative data to be accumulated following the
previous test of the GP6 at this circuit, the Italian focussed on power
delivery and engine braking set-up. Loris was particularly satisfied
with the tyres that Bridgestone has produced on the basis of the
indications that emerged during the first Malaysian test in January.
It was a disappointing day on the other hand for his team-mate Sete
Gibernau. The Spanish rider, who had a sleepless night due to severe
abdominal pains, had to return to the hotel after just a few laps. When
he came back to the circuit in the afternoon, he was unable to resume
testing activity because of the rain. Just tomorrow's third and final
day remains for the new Ducati Marlboro Team rider to complete his
testing programme.
Loris Capirossi (50 laps - 2m01.87s);
"Today was a really positive day" declared a smiling Loris. "In the
morning we worked on the chassis settings, engine management and engine
braking and we found an excellent set-up. We also concentrated on
testing several new rear tyres. These are a real step forward over the
'standard' tyres (with which Loris won the Malaysian GP - Ed.) and I am
pleased with the work carried out by Bridgestone. Tomorrow,
thunderstorms permitting, we have scheduled a long-run to verify the
duration of the tyres, which already looked good anyway in today's
testing".
Sete Gibernau (17 laps - 2m02.87s);
"I didn't sleep a wink all night but I wanted to test at all costs so I
came to the circuit early" commented Sete. "After a few laps I was
feeling really sick and decided to go back and rest in the hotel. At 3
o'clock, I still didn't feel well but returned to the track to try and
go out again but it started to rain. It just wasn't my day .. Hopefully
tomorrow I'll feel better again because we've got a lot of things to
test".
The Ducati Marlboro Team engineers and riders are hoping that the
weather will remain good tomorrow for the final day of scheduled testing
at the Sepang circuit.
