From a press release issued by Ducati Corse:

TESTING CONTINUES FOR DUCATI MARLBORO TEAM AT JEREZ

Jerez de la Frontera (Spain), 13 May 2003 – The Ducati Marlboro Team stayed behind at the Jerez de la Frontera circuit today for further testing, just two days after a superb podium finish at the Spanish GP.

Sunday’s race was characterized by a fantastic third place for Bayliss and a ‘close encounter’ between the team’s two riders during the warm-up lap. Capirossi bruised his left arm in the contact and was forced to retire after crashing out on lap 15.

In a climate of total collaboration, both riders carried out testing work on settings and made a number of modifications to the front and rear suspension geometry, allowing engineers to accumulate important data. Loris and Troy also went through a vast range of tyres, testing different compound Michelin fronts. Torrid heat (over 30° C air / 54° C track) meant that both tyres and engine components were put through their paces today.

At the end of the day the results, from a technical point of view, can be viewed as positive. “Today it was really hot out there – commented Corrado Cecchinelli, Ducati Marlboro Team technical director – and this allowed us to test the engine reliability and the Michelin tyres to their limit, in particular the front with different compounds. We are very pleased, everything worked well and the condition of both riders was more than satisfactory. Troy did a lot of laps and kept up a rapid pace. Loris got back on the bike after Sunday’s crash and used today’s test to the full. At this point we are already focussed and ready for the Le Mans race”.

Troy Bayliss completed a total of 85 laps, simulating a race distance and lapping at a constantly high pace. “Today was important because it allowed us to make a further step forward in the set-up of the bike. We are all fired up and what is more important, we are working really well. I’m really pleased with the way things are going”.

Loris Capirossi was also satisfied: “My arm is at 70% – he said – but I still managed to do 50 laps at a good pace, as well as test tyres and carry out a series of modifications to the suspension geometry. It was a positive and constructive day, which allowed the team to work in complete tranquillity. The heat was unbearable but everything worked out well”.