Aragón (Spain), Thursday 29 October 2015 – The and rider Chaz Davies have completed two days of testing at the Spanish circuit of Motorland Aragón.
This week’s tests were the first of the winter season for the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati Superbike Team with the squad therefore having a first opportunity to test updates on the Panigale R in preparation for the 2016 World Superbike season. Day one was unfortunately conditioned by bad weather, with rain falling intermittently and which prevented the team from completing many laps. Davies and his technicians were nevertheless able to begin part of the planned work programme with the Panigale R in its 2016 configuarion.
Fortunately conditions greatly improved for day two, allowing Davies and his mechanics, supported by Ducati SBK development staff, to complete almost all of the scheduled tasks. Work focused on the electronics and several engine updates that were welcomed by the Welsh rider.
Having completed approximately 100 laps over the two-day test, Davies consistently matched his 2015 race pace and the squad is therefore satisfied with the week’s outcome. Over the coming weeks staff will continue to prepare the material for next month’s test sessions that will see the Italian team return to the Aragón circuit on 16-17 November before moving to Jerez de la Frontera from 25-27 November for the final tests of 2015.
Quotes at the end of testing:
Chaz Davies (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati Superbike Team #7)
“Today was a very busy but positive day. We worked a lot with the new electronics and particularly with the engine brake that is very important to me. The updates introduced for 2016 are positive and in the end the bike seems to be very stable and consistent, especially at the front. We also made an interesting comparison between the racing setting used here in April, that from the end of the season and, lastly, the 2016 version. The positive trend has been confirmed, both in terms of feeling with the bike and lap times, an important aspect that confirms we’re moving in the right direction and that gives us confidence for the new season.”
