2012 MotoGP
Valentino Rossi was back on the Ducati GP12 for the sixth time this year, the nine-time World Champion putting in 82 laps at Mugello Thursday.
The Italian Rossi has now utilized six of eight days of which factory MotoGP riders can participate in testing 1000cc bikes; MotoGP will allow 1000cc bikes in the 2012 Champoionship.
Rossi’s outing was successful, although he crashed on the exit of the Scarperia-Palagio section during the third lap.
As always, Filippo Preziosi and Vittoriano Guareschi were on hand crunching data and Rossi’s input. Ducati Team test rider Franco Battaini was with Rossi on the track Thursday; Battaini also tested some Ducati MotoGP machinery on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Valentino Rossi (Ducati GP12 MotoGP) says: “It was an interesting day, although it was also quite long, because we rode until 6:30.
Developing a bike requires a lot of focus and effort, but it’s also very exciting and fulfilling to be part of a group of people pushing as hard as it can in the same direction.
“Today we confirmed various aspects of the GP12’s electronics and chassis, collecting a lot of useful information for Filippo and the guys in the factory. I think that the work is well underway as we prepare for our next steps.”