The second day of pre-season IRTA testing at the Sepang circuit in Malaysia saw progress being made by both Ducati Team riders, Andrea Dovizioso and Cal Crutchlow. Today, lapping exclusively with their new Desmosedici GP14 machines, both the Italian and his British team-mate were able to lower their best time by over one second from yesterday, when they got to grips with the new bike for the first time.
After most of Tuesday had been spent running in the bike, today both men completed almost 50 laps each on the GP14, and they were able to notice some improvement in corner entry.
Ducati Test Team rider Michele Pirro, who is also contributing a lot to the GP14’s development in these early stages, expressed positive comments on the bike and the direction being followed.
Tomorrow will be the third and final day of these first 2014 season tests.
Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team #04) – 11th (2m01.146s)
“I am pleased with the progress we made, I didn’t expect to get such a good feeling from this first test of the year. We were able to improve in corner entry, and gain a bit more mid-corner speed. We accelerate a bit more strongly because the bike tends to wheelie less and so we can use more power. We managed to get closer to the frontrunners in our lap times, and in our overall pace as well, but there’s still a lot of work to do. The improvements we’ve made in these first two days are quite positive.”
Cal Crutchlow (Ducati Team #35) – 12th (2m01.396s)
“I think I’m one of those riders who has made the biggest improvement in lap times today. Yesterday I was a bit rusty on the bike and didn’t feel too comfortable but that was only me. We tested the GP14 all day today and went through some settings we never had time to try yesterday. The result was positive, so that’s a step in the right direction. With the new bike you come into the corner better, which is a positive Ducati have been looking for. Overall I’d say I’m quite satisfied, but we’re still some way off the front guys.”
Michele Pirro (Ducati Test Team #51) – 13th (2m02.177s)
“Today we worked on several different areas, engine braking for example, and we did some tests to verify the fuel consumption; unfortunately, I ran out of fuel at one point along the circuit! Seeing as the bike is new, we’re trying to understand everything about it and it’s down to me to try out all the new bits we’ve brought here. I’m pleased, even though I know there’s still a lot of work to do and we need more time, but at least we have clear ideas on what to do.”
