From a press release issued by Ducati Corse:

DUCATI MARLBORO TEAM IN ACTION AT BRNO AND MUGELLO

Brno (Czech Republic), 16 July 2003: The Ducati Marlboro Team was involved in testing action on two fronts today in view of the upcoming rounds of the MotoGP championship. While riders Loris Capirossi and Troy Bayliss were testing at the Brno circuit in the Czech Republic, the development team was simultaneously testing at Mugello.

Four bikes out on the track in the same day, four separate structures and teams of engineers and mechanics: all aimed at bringing about improvements to the Ducati Desmosedici, in view of the remaining eight rounds of the 2003 MotoGP championship as well as next season.

Today was the first of two days’ testing at Brno and Mugello.

At Brno the two riders aimed to put in as many laps as possible to find the right set-up for the bike on this fast and technical circuit, which will be the venue for the Czech Republic Grand Prix on August 17. Loris’s best lap (out of 33) was 1:59.86, while Troy completed 55 laps, recording a quickest time of 2:01.43.

The Desmosedici performed exceptionally well on its first visit to the circuit; Loris in fact lapped much quicker than the best time recorded in last year’s race.

At the same time at the Mugello circuit in Italy, the development team were working on a series of components and solutions for the 2004 version of the Ducati Desmosedici, in particular taking advantage of the high temperatures (38°C) to improve engine cooling efficiency.

Ducati Corse factory test-rider Vittoriano Guareschi was joined for this test session by Randy Mamola, four times 500cc championship runner-up, and currently involved with the Desmosedici Biposto twin-seater bike. The American therefore is just the right man to provide further information and data for Ducati Corse engineers.

The two testing sessions will conclude tomorrow Thursday.