From a press release issued by HM Plant Ducati:

Walker and Toseland test new Ducati

Chris Walker has made his long awaited debut on the Ducati 998 F02 at the team’s first pre-season test at Valencia. The Nottingham rider joined team-mate James Toseland for a three-day test session at the Spanish circuit that will host the first round of the 2003 World Superbike series on 2 March.

As expected, Walker quickly became familiar with the power and handling characteristics of the HM Plant Ducati, despite an ankle injury sustained in a Supermoto accident last month. He made good progress on the first two days of the test but opted to sit out the last day (Monday) to rest his injury.

“I felt a bit beat up and sore after covering 40 laps on Saturday and Sunday,” admitted Walker. “I couldn’t move my ankle properly so I wasn’t really able to get any valuable feedback. However, I was dead chuffed to get into the mid-35s on my first shakedown test, which is already a second faster than I’ve ever gone round this circuit before.

“When I first jumped on the HM Plant Ducati it felt great. The riding position was a bit different to what I’m used to but it didn’t take long to adjust my style. Under the circumstances, I’ve achieved what I set out to achieve in terms of getting a feel for the twin and settling into my new team. I’m now desperate to get myself fully fit and ready for the next test in the new year.”

Now entering his third season with GSE Racing, James Toseland’s objectives at the start of the test were different to those of his team-mate: “I was eager to get on the HM Plant Ducati again after two months. I’ve missed the track time and was determined to get as many miles as possible under my belt even at this early stage.

“The new F02 has more poke through the power range compared to last season’s model. That was what I expected and needed for 2003. My fastest lap was 1:35.37, set on race tyres, which equalled Ben Bostrom’s lap record from earlier this year. I was also able to run consistently in the mid-35s. However, I felt quite tired on the third day after completing 240 laps, so there wasn’t much for me to prove and I didn’t want to risk a crash just for a faster time.

“I’m really pleased with the way I’ve ridden and I feel that I’ve taken full advantage of the good weather conditions we’ve enjoyed over the weekend. Dunlop has provided me with a wide range of tyres for testing, and that has proved useful. I know the track really well too and it will fill me with confidence for the remaining tests and the start of next season.”