bMoto

Brno grandprix winner Loris Capirossi launched Ducatis 2007 campaign on Monday when he took to the track with the GP07 800cc prototype in its first public outing. Completing 28 laps, Loris was impressed with the overall feel of the bike. A sub two minute time is a simply wonderful start and will have the other manufacturers looking very closely.

Loris Capirossi - “This morning I did some tyre testing which went quite well and which might allow us to have some interesting developments for the next few races. Then we started with the GP7. As a first test it was very positive even though the bike still has to be developed. We expect to have to do a lot of work but the first impression was positive. The bike’s handling has improved a lot and that’s important. This bike has to be ridden in a different way to the GP6, it’s actually very enjoyable, a bit like a 250 machine and testing it now was interesting and useful so we can immediately start to work on it. The engine is different, obviously less powerful but it makes a great noise! It has been a fantastic day, I’m very happy and tomorrow we’ll continue to work hard”.

Interesting are his comments about the 250cc riding style needed to punt the bike around. If Honda follows suit with a similar more compact bike this should suit the likes of Pedrosa more. Loris lapped with a best time of 1m 59.6. Yamaha have not released any times as yet. Testing continues for a majority of the teams on Tuesday.