Valentino Rossi pleased with second GP12 test

Valentino Rossi completed his second test on Ducati’s new 2012 MotoGP prototype at the Mugello circuit yesterday (Thursday), the Italian declaring  a 60-lap run as positive.

The nine-times world champion was back on board the new GP12 machine after he made his debut on next year’s Bologna factory contender immediately after the Spanish MotoGP round in Jerez.

The test gave Rossi the chance to evaluate some updated parts for the GP12 introduced after the recent Jerez test while also assessing grip levels following a re-surface of the fast and technical Mugello track.

Rossi, who scored his first Ducati podium in a controversial Le Mans race in France earlier this month, said: “I’m pleased, because it was a positive test. We took full advantage of the time we had, because the track and weather conditions were perfect. I liked the new asphalt a lot.

“The surface is smooth, those holes that I knew so well are now gone, and the grip is fantastic. I must say they’ve done a great job, because if it’s possible, riding here at Mugello is now even better than before. I’m happy to have come back here to test after my injury last year, because it was a nice feeling and a good day.

“We started around 11am, and we completed sixty laps in all—many kilometers without any problems, either physical or with the GP12. We tested everything that Filippo (Preziosi) had planned to try, and we’re satisfied because, although we’re still at a pretty early stage, we’re going in the right direction.”

American Nicky Hayden was not present at the test but Ducati technical boss Preziosi said he too was pleased with the development of the GP12.

He said: “We completed our second day of testing the GP12 with Vale. I must say it’s a strange sensation, but also a really nice one, to be here at Mugello with Valentino, on a track where we’ve been rivals so many times in the past. We worked on the electronics and various other updates to next season’s bike, some of which were made following the requests that Vale and Nicky had given us during their first outing with the bike about a month ago at Jerez.

“It was a useful and positive test that will enable us to continue with the development of the GP12, which has some new details coming soon. Working with Valentino is always very nice from a technical perspective, and we were lucky with the weather, as we had perfect conditions. Vale also really appreciated the new asphalt: we have to compliment the folks at Mugello, because they really did a great job.”