2012 World Superbike
The newest Ducati team to join 2012 World Superbike, Ducati Roma, was busy at work Oct.29-31, as 1198R pilot Niccolo Canepa performed some testing at the Misano Circuit in Italy.
Although weather conditions were cold, Canepa was able to consistently lap the Misano circuit around 1:37, and eventually posting under that mark near the end of the testing period.
Canepa, who had not ridden a superbike since 2008, concentrated on the Ducati’s riding position, electronics, suspension and brakes.
Niccolo Canepa (Ducati Roma 1198 R) says: “I am satisfied and pleased with what we did in the three days. The electronics package was not new to me because I had already used ride-by-wire on the Ducati Superbike in 2008, and the following year in MotoGP.
“We clearly have a lot of work to do, but I honestly think we couldn’t have begun our preparations for next season in a better way. There’s a lot of room for improvement and I hope to be able to do a lot more mileage on the 1198 to arrive at the first rounds of next season in an ideal condition to do well. The atmosphere in the team is excellent and for me this is important to allow me to express myself to the full.”
Andrea Petricca (Roma Ducati Team Manager) says: “I’m very happy with these three days of testing. The weather didn’t help much but luckily the track remained dry and this allowed us to test everything we had planned.
“The team did a great job and in just a short time managed to adapt itself to the new bike and the new material. Our new electronics technician slotted in well with the rest of the team and Niccolò did everything expected of him, confirming himself to be a young but already experienced rider.”
For its World Superbike entry, the Ducati Roma team will count on the experience accumulated in Superstock: an Italian title in 2009 with Stefano Cruciani and the Stop & Go Racing Team, and the good results achieved in the last few years with Lorenzo Zanetti and Niccolò Canepa in the FIM Cup with the Lazio MotorSport Team.
The 13-race, 2012 World Superbike Championship begins at Phillip Island, Australia, Feb. 26.
