From a press release issued by Ducati:

WORLD SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP
Testing – Kyalami (South Africa)
Tuesday 4th December 2001

BOSTROM (DUCATI L&M) BACK IN ACTION AFTER EIGHT-WEEK BREAK

Ducati L&M rider Ben Bostrom was back in action at Kyalami, Johannesburg today for the first time since a restorative operation on his right shoulder in October.

The 27-year-old Californian, who finished third overall in the 2001 World Superbike Championship, is taking part in the three-day Dunlop tyre tests at the South African track with the 998R Factory bike he will race in next year’s championship.

In cloudy but warm conditions (air 25° C/ track 30° C), Bostrom completed 70 laps of the 4.263 km circuit, clocking a best time of 1:42.14, almost one second faster than his quickest lap in the 2001 race. The day’s work revolved mainly around an extensive tyre testing programme and putting mileage on the 2002 bike.

“It’s great to be back on a bike and really good to see my Ducati L&M team again after such a long break”, said Bostrom. “The new bike felt pretty good and by the end of the day we had found a good race tyre and I managed to hang the rear out, which is how I like it. My shoulder is really weak and sore but it’s not too bad and when we go testing again in January I’ll be 100% fit”.

Kyalami testing continues tomorrow and concludes Thursday.