Julian Simon impresses in Ducati MotoGP test

Reigning world 125GP champion Julian Simon has produced an eye-catching performance in Jerez after making a shock debut on Ducati’s GP10 test bike.

With Ducati’s test rider Franco Battaini sidelined by injury and Vittoriano Guareschi now involved in a management role with the Bologna factory, Ducati were granted permission by Simon’s team boss Jorge ‘Aspar’ Martinez to test in Jerez.

Simon, who will race for Aspar in the new Moto2 world championship in 2010, produced an impressive performance as he covered 115 laps on the test mule GP10.

The Spaniard, who defeated British team-mate Bradley Smith to claim the 2009 125GP crown, posted a best time of 1.41.4 to finish just 1.6s away from reigning MotoGP world champion Valentino Rossi’s lap record.

With the black fairing fitted to the GP10 it is clear Ducati was testing a new aerodynamics package.