From a press release:

DUCATI CORSE PRESS INFORMATION

WORLD SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP

Testing – Kyalami (South Africa)

Saturday 26 January 2002

DUCATI CONCLUDES SUCCESSFUL THREE-DAY TEST AT KYALAMI

Ducati Infostrada riders Troy Bayliss and Ruben Xaus completed their first 2002 run on the new Ducati 998R Factory bikes at Kyalami, South Africa today, wrapping up a three-day test session with French tyre manufacturer Michelin.

After concentrating on engine and suspension settings over the first two days, the world champion and his Spanish team-mate spent the entire third day working through the vast range of tyres Michelin had brought to the high-altitude Kyalami track and selecting suitable rubber for the race here at the start of April. Work also revolved around testing a variety of different brake pads on the 998R factory bikes in collaboration with Brembo. On the engine front, the new Testastretta proved to be ultra-reliable, with both power-units not giving any trouble throughout the three-day test.

In warm conditions (air 25° C/ track 41° C) excellent results were achieved with Michelin qualifying and race tyres, the latter proving to have extraordinary performance even after a normal race distance of 25 laps. Both riders lapped constantly in the low 1:42 bracket during their race simulations.

Troy did two ‘long-runs’ in race configuration during his 57 laps, and said he was satisfied with the outcome of his first test of the year.

“This three-day test here at Kyalami has gone really well”, said the 32-year-old Australian. “My 2002-spec bike feels perfect, the engine is powerful, we sorted out the suspension and selected a couple of good tyres for the race. I can’t wait to get to Australia now for next week’s test to measure up to everyone else”.

Ruben Xaus was also pleased with his overall performance after completing 70 laps today. The 23-year-old also did two ‘long-runs’ on his 998R and was happy to leave South Africa with considerable mileage under his belt.

“I’m getting used to lapping now after losing some time on the first day,” said Xaus. “The 2002-spec bike is really nice, the Ducati guys have done a lot of work on it and we’re already a lot quicker than before. The team is working well and I can’t wait until the new season starts”.

The next test session for Ducati Corse will see Bayliss and Xaus, together with Ducati L&M rider Ben Bostrom in action at Phillip Island in Australia from Jan 30 to Feb 1.