After a fantastic initial test at Phillip Island last month, the Ducati Motologic Race Team returned to Phillip Island once again to take advantage of a ride day at the circuit on the 8th February. The team attended the second test with both riders, Jamie Stauffer and Jordan Burgess and with more parts having arrived from Italy; the bikes were no longer the standard bike that circulated around the track at the first test. There was no way to miss the Ducati 1198R as it entered the pits with its bright livery. The new colour scheme is sure to catch the eye at the World Superbike event at the end of this month. As this was Jordan Burgess’ first time out on the 1198R he was understandably excited to see what he could do with the Ducati. 2010 is Jordan’s first year on a Superbike as he competed on Superstock 1000 last year for Teterin Engineering. The test on Monday sees Burgess off to a very impressive start. #33 Jordan Burgess: I really didn’t know what to expect from the 1198R until I saw it at the Motologic workshop, but once I sat on it and tucked my chin down in race position I felt very comfortable. First impressions on track were just as good, the bike’s power delivery was very different to what I was used to and the amount of torque the bike produces in stock form is phenomenal, I was instantly impressed! Driving out of Turn 12 onto the straight at pace with the Termignoni full system singing for the first time was something to experience that’s for sure! Handling wise I was impressed even with the stock suspension and original tyres. The 1198’s ability to change direction through faster corners is marvelous and makes riding the faster parts of the tracks so much fun! Taking the Ducati 1198R to the track for the second time, Jamie Stauffer continued his impressive form from the first test of the Ducati, proving that he means business for 2010. With some modifications to the bike set-up now done, the improvement shown out on the track by Stauffer is very positive. #27 Jamie Stauffer: Although it was only a one day test, we achieved a lot. It was terrific to get back out there and try some new settings. My lap times were just as good as the previous test which shows we are moving forward as everyone was struggling with grip, including us. To be able to match the initial test lap times when the grip wasn’t there shows that the modifications to the set-up that have been done between tests have improved the 1198R’s overall performance. As more parts arrive and modifications are made to the Ducati 1198R I feel confident that we will be very competitive at the first Round at Phillip Island at the end of the month. Paul Free: The second test for the Ducati Motologic Race Team was very successful. We are learning a lot very rapidly from the information gained from the bikes. We received an up-spec fork kit for the Ohlins forks which we tested and it worked really well. Additionally, we have received a 70mm Termignoni exhaust which was on both Jordan’s and Jamie’s bikes and greatly improved the spread of power and outright performance. It was a day well spent. Jordan’s first day on an 1198R went very well. It was great to see him adapt so quickly to the new bike. We have another ride day at Phillip Island next week and we are looking forward to testing more components at that test. The Ducati Motologic Race Team is definitely gaining momentum as they approach the World Superbike event at Phillip Island on the 27th 28th February.