After positively concluding the Spanish GP with both its riders in the top five, the Mission Winnow Ducati team resumed action at Jerez de la Frontera for a collective, one-day test. In mild weather conditions, with about 20 degrees in the atmosphere and 30 degrees on the tarmac, Andrea Dovizioso and Danilo Petrucci clocked 52 and 61 laps respectively. Dovizioso posted a personal best of 1:37.601 to finish in 11th position overall, with Petrucci (14th) just one tenth of a second slower in 1:37.720.
Andrea Dovizioso (#04 Mission Winnow Ducati) – 1:37.601 (11th)
“Post-race tests are always useful, because they allow you to work without pressure and evaluate some modifications that you usually don’t have the time to try during a race weekend, where track time is limited. Despite not having anything new, we were able to work on several details, both in terms of setup and electronics, to have a better understanding of how the bike reacts. We gathered some important data, which we’ll be able to use in all tracks from now on. Also, we tested a new medium-spec tyre, with positive outcomes. There is always room for improvement, both for the rider and the bike, and we’ll go to Le Mans with clearer ideas about how to do it.”
Danilo Petrucci (#9 Mission Winnow Ducati) – 1:37.720 (14th)
“In these tests, we focused on preparing for the next round without going for a ‘time attack’. I tried some different components and several setup changes, only using hard tyres and taking them over the race distance to understand how to improve our pace. In particular, we worked to maximize both stability under braking and corner speed, finding some solutions that should work well in Le Mans. I’m quite happy with what we tried and the feeling with the bike is good, so I hope to be able to make another step forward in France.”
The Mission Winnow Ducati team will resume action at Le Mans (France) for the fifth round of the 2019 MotoGP World Championship, scheduled for May 17-19.
