This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, and others.

Valencia testing news/pics?

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Bootsakah @ Oct 27 2008, 09:04 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Anyone know why Tech 3 are not testing? Something to do with the tire switch perhaps?
I read that Yamaha have nothing for them to test but they will be back for Jerez.
 
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (ThePhorest @ Oct 27 2008, 02:51 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Also, I wouldn't read too much into these tests. The first couple days out, these guys are gonna be taking it easy and getting used to the bikes. They have a lot of "personalizing" to do before they get to the "setting fast times".

Of course....nothing to worry about.....by end of tomorrow they will be even faster...by March everyone will be well settled in their new bikes....
<
 
Times at 5pm, the end of the test:

1 Casey Stoner Ducati 1'32.464 31 / 54
2 Dani Pedrosa Honda 1'32.672 24 / 60
3 Valentino Rossi Yamaha 1'32.921 20 / 34
4 Chris Vermeulen Suzuki 1'33.142 41 / 67
5 Loris Capirossi Suzuki 1'33.325 37 / 75
6 Alex de Angelis Honda 1'33.375 35 / 77
7 Jorge Lorenzo Yamaha 1'33.550 41 / 44
8 Andrea Dovizioso Honda 1'33.675 38 / 57
9 John Hopkins Kawasaki 1'33.760 44 / 74
10 Marco Melandri Kawasaki 1'33.782 47 / 75
11 Randy de Puniet Honda 1'33.832 39 / 80
12 Nicky Hayden Ducati 1'33.960 74 / 79
13 Toni Elias Honda 1'34.129 78 / 81
14 Sete Gibernau Ducati 1'34.451 21 / 52
15 Mika Kallio Ducati 1'34.793 57 / 60
16 Olivier Jacque Kawasaki 1'34.925 48 / 71
17 Niccolo Canepa Ducati 1'34.995 59 / 62
18 Yuki Takahashi Honda 1'35.203 72 / 73
 
Elias has got factory support this season and conventional wisdom seems to suggest that he will be doing all the donkey work for Pedrosa.

Has anyone given it a second thought? Perhaps Elias is being groomed to be the token Spaniard at Dovi's Repsol Honda squad (assuming Pedrosa fails to deliver)? Maybe Honda will try to land Bautista on a Gresini for 2010 so they can give him a look?
 
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (gsfan @ Oct 27 2008, 03:57 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>I'm not crazy about the Haydens paint job it looks like it was done overnight. The bare carbon looks incredible.
What are you crazy!!! That paint job is awesome. Plus how many companies go ahead and actually paint the bike for a test rider. .... most of them get the basic black which is cool but this is one hell of a marketing ploy. Smart for Ducati I say. I will bet you will see the pics or some form of a pic in this livery on the walls of Ducati dearlers all across the U.S. I guess though if your not an American you could care less or even not like the paint job but I think it is great. Plus it just goes to show Ducati want to give Nicky a warm welcome. YOu go Nicky!!!
 
Looks like no one have any particular problems in adapting to the Stones. Dovi and JLo both are doing reasonably well, so are Hayden and Kallio. Interesting to see that Kallio is quite a bit faster on the evil Duke than Takahashi on the Honda. To morrow will be just as interesting, as will the next tests.
 
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (ROCKGOD01 @ Oct 27 2008, 01:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>What are you crazy!!! That paint job is awesome. Plus how many companies go ahead and actually paint the bike for a test rider. .... most of them get the basic black which is cool but this is one hell of a marketing ploy. Smart for Ducati I say. I will bet you will see the pics or some form of a pic in this livery on the walls of Ducati dearlers all across the U.S. I guess though if your not an American you could care less or even not like the paint job but I think it is great. Plus it just goes to show Ducati want to give Nicky a warm welcome. YOu go Nicky!!!

I don't dislike the stars and stripes it is just that that design is so basic. I expected Ducati would do something really graphic and I really wanted to see blood red leathers, white is not nearly as dramatic. He finished at Honda on white leathers. I stated long ago getting Hayden was a marketing masterstroke so we are on the same page there. But the carbon testing look is so amazing it is a shame to paint it.
 
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Babelfish @ Oct 27 2008, 12:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Looks like no one have any particular problems in adapting to the Stones. Dovi and JLo both are doing reasonably well, so are Hayden and Kallio. Interesting to see that Kallio is quite a bit faster on the evil Duke than Takahashi on the Honda. To morrow will be just as interesting, as will the next tests.
What I found interesting was that Kallio was faster than Canepa and only three tenths behind Gibernau. He should prove to be an excellent signing for Ducati.

Off topic somewhat, has anyone heard anything new on the rumored Red Bull sponsorship of Ducati? Ducati had a deal in place through 2008 with Gatorade which would have likely meant that Hayden and Kallio would require helmets that did not display the Red Bull logos but both still have the logos displayed prominently. With Hayden and Kallio currently backed by Red Bull, Stoner was backed by Red Bull until he was forced to drop the sponsorship because of Ducati's Gatorade ties and now Alice scaling back their efforts with Ducati, could Red Bull really be coming back to MotoGP with Ducati?
 
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (gsfan @ Oct 27 2008, 12:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>But the carbon testing look is so amazing it is a shame to paint it.
Agreed.
 
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (gsfan @ Oct 27 2008, 10:57 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>I'm not crazy about the Haydens paint job it looks like it was done overnight. The bare carbon looks incredible.

Probably was.
<
Factory most likely did this as a temporary thing to "personalize" the bike - making Hayden feel wanted and welcome - a nice change, wouldn't you say? Riding a test bike that's just all black-naked carbon fiber is so impersonal. I reckon come time to race his bike and livery will be pretty close to Stoner's with lots of little special touches.
 
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (kp4e @ Oct 27 2008, 12:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Interesting! Its early testing!

Hayden is faster than Giber. Remember only Stoner and Hayden are on GP9 at this time!
All others are using GP8"s . All of them are supposed to be on GP9 at Jerez in November...

Stoner faster than last Sunday race.

All times should improve as the st up work continues.

Yes - it's the '09 bike with "improvements" - but with that also goes - many unknown factors yet to be reckoned with. A double-edged sword - if you will.
 
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (gsfan @ Oct 27 2008, 05:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>I don't dislike the stars and stripes it is just that that design is so basic. I expected Ducati would do something really graphic and I really wanted to see blood red leathers, white is not nearly as dramatic. He finished at Honda on white leathers. I stated long ago getting Hayden was a marketing masterstroke so we are on the same page there. But the carbon testing look is so amazing it is a shame to paint it.
Well there Nicola and Mika both have the black bikes don't they? The red leathers will be in due time they just need to figure out the sponsor thing I would bet. Plus when he debuts them that will be good enough for me. I just hope Ducati puts out some swag for this years team cause they only ever did it for a few years and it was wsbk stuff. Who cares if the paint job was done in 15 minutes it is the thought that counts in my opinion on this one. Nicky should feel good about having Italians as a team since we know how to run a family.
 
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (ROCKGOD01 @ Oct 27 2008, 12:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Well there Nicola and Mika both have the black bikes don't they? The red leathers will be in due time they just need to figure out the sponsor thing I would bet. Plus when he debuts them that will be good enough for me. I just hope Ducati puts out some swag for this years team cause they only ever did it for a few years and it was wsbk stuff. Who cares if the paint job was done in 15 minutes it is the thought that counts in my opinion on this one. Nicky should feel good about having Italians as a team since we know how to run a family.
Canepa's bike is in Alice colors, Kallio's is black. Canepa is contracted to Ducati so his moving to Alice has no conflicting sponsorship issues and as Alice are title sponsor for the satellite Ducati squad for 2008, they are required to have their name displayed so long as there are no conflicts with riders. Whereas Kallio and Hayden are both likely technically still under contract to KTM and Honda and their respective sponsors. Thus the non-identifying black and starred and striped schemes.
 
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Austin @ Oct 27 2008, 05:49 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Canepa's bike is in Alice colors, Kallio's is black. Canepa is contracted to Ducati so his moving to Alice has no conflicting sponsorship issues and as Alice are title sponsor for the satellite Ducati squad for 2008, they are required to have their name displayed so long as there are no conflicts with riders. Whereas Kallio and Hayden are both likely technically still under contract to KTM and Honda and their respective sponsors. Thus the non-identifying black and starred and striped schemes.
Cool thanks for the info there austin. I knew that it had to be something contractual. I wish the works team could just run a huge cigarette with the Marlboro words on it for fun. LOL
 
Kallio certainly seems happy with his first 60 laps on the Ducati GP8.

The comments on his website were roughly as follows:

- started easily getting to know the bike so wasn't using the full power. Later upped the pace and the feeling was absolutely brilliant.

- rideability and turnability was a positive surprise. He had imagined the 800 to be more difficult to ride when it weighs 50kg more than a 250.

- the ducati turns well from side to side, so the twisty sections were great to ride.

- experience was excellent and pleased with the team (or the team was pleased with him - depend on if my understanding of Finnish is right or not). obviously didn't take any risks but was improving the lap times throughout the day. It must have been a surprise to many that Canepa was behind him. Considering he has ridden the Ducati this year more than anybody else as test rider.


<


Certainly seems a positive start for Kallio - though obviously I am biased
<


Most positive thing to me is his first impression of the Ducati.
 
Post #7 is all I need to see as far as Ducati being welcoming. That is an awesome scene.
 
hey, anyone else notice that nicky must have had two bikes at his disposal?one of the nose fairings appears very much longer and more angular and the stripes of the american flag on one bike are kinda wavy compared to straight on the other.being a custom painter i noticed this right away,there's also a difference in the layout of the stars.i realize im new here and this probably is of litte interest to anyone,just thought id point it out cause i know how you guys are for details!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Darrdevil D @ Oct 27 2008, 02:14 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>hey, anyone else notice that nicky must have had two bikes at his disposal?one of the nose fairings appears very much longer and more angular and the stripes of the american flag on one bike are kinda wavy compared to straight on the other.being a custom painter i noticed this right away,there's also a difference in the layout of the stars.i realize im new here and this probably is of litte interest to anyone,just thought id point it out cause i know how you guys are for details!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hadn't noticed the difference but I've read that Hayden was given a GP9 and a GP8. Not sure which bike he used to set which times. Apparently you can also tell the difference by the width of the undertail exhaust.
 
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Austin @ Oct 27 2008, 01:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>What I found interesting was that Kallio was faster than Canepa and only three tenths behind Gibernau. He should prove to be an excellent signing for Ducati.

Off topic somewhat, has anyone heard anything new on the rumored Red Bull sponsorship of Ducati? Ducati had a deal in place through 2008 with Gatorade which would have likely meant that Hayden and Kallio would require helmets that did not display the Red Bull logos but both still have the logos displayed prominently. With Hayden and Kallio currently backed by Red Bull, Stoner was backed by Red Bull until he was forced to drop the sponsorship because of Ducati's Gatorade ties and now Alice scaling back their efforts with Ducati, could Red Bull really be coming back to MotoGP with Ducati?

haven't heard anything, but i hope not. i'm really getting sick of Red Bull. its all over the place.
 
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Pirkkalan GP @ Oct 27 2008, 07:46 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Kallio certainly seems happy with his first 60 laps on the Ducati GP8.

The comments on his website were roughly as follows:

- started easily getting to know the bike so wasn't using the full power. Later upped the pace and the feeling was absolutely brilliant.

- rideability and turnability was a positive surprise. He had imagined the 800 to be more difficult to ride when it weighs 50kg more than a 250.

- the ducati turns well from side to side, so the twisty sections were great to ride.

- experience was excellent and pleased with the team (or the team was pleased with him - depend on if my understanding of Finnish is right or not). obviously didn't take any risks but was improving the lap times throughout the day. It must have been a surprise to many that Canepa was behind him. Considering he has ridden the Ducati this year more than anybody else as test rider.


<


Certainly seems a positive start for Kallio - though obviously I am biased
<


Most positive thing to me is his first impression of the Ducati.
Thanks for the translation,this looks really good for 2009!
 

Similar threads

AnnoyingTwit
Predictions for 2025
Replies
36
Views
907
mikesbytes
mikesbytes
#22
2024 Season warmup - Let's go!
Replies
385
Views
12K
JFM01
J
#22
David Emmet: A peek into the soul of Marc Marquez
Replies
20
Views
2K
#22
#22
Barbedwirebikerr
Valencia Test
Replies
134
Views
20K
povol
povol
moto vudu
Iannone will leave Suzuki
Replies
24
Views
5K
shovelhead
shovelhead

Recent Discussions