FINAL DEVELOPMENT TESTS FOR THE DUCATI HYPERMOTARD Bologna Development of the Ducati Hypermotard, which is to be launched in Ducati Stores all over the world from this May, is continuing with great success. As announced in Milan during EICMA 2006, production of the motorcycle will begin during the next few months and final tests confirm that everything is progressing as scheduled. The Hypermotard has generated enormous interest all over the world and Ducati is now channelling significant resources into this exciting new motorcycle so as to meet all expectations and fully satisfy the ‘Ducatisti’ eagerly awaiting its arrival. In recent days a series of tests have been carried out at the Mores circuit in Sardinia by Vittoriano Guareschi, the official Ducati MotoGP Team test rider. His testing of pre-series prototypes has contributed greatly to the final set-up of the machine. “The bike is fantastic!” Commented Guareschi immediately after a track session. “It’s so much fun to ride that you lose all track of time, you never want to get off it. These tests have allowed us to define the set-up and make a few final modifications before going into production. Everything is on schedule and things really couldn’t be better. I reckon the Hypermotard is the bike that was missing and I’m sure it’ll be a great success. I’ve had a great time today, knee on the ground at every corner. The bike’s just perfect, well balanced, smooth and, above all, a true Ducati.”