The factory team, together with Ducati’s development team, worked hard over the three-day test session at Jerez. Despite rain on Wednesday, the team was able to make the most of the generally favourable weather conditions, with riders and technicians able to complete all of the work that they had foreseen.

From Monday 31 March, riders Davide Giugliano and Chaz Davies wasted no time in getting to work and had completed 57 and 62 laps respectively by the end of the first day. Times recorded were immediately fast and the positive trend continued through Tuesday. Both riders were able to improve on their personal bests at the Spanish track with Giugliano recording a best (unofficial) time of 1’40.1 with a qualifying tyre and 1’41.0 with a race tyre, while Davies’ fastest time was a 1’40.7 with the qualifier and 1’41.4 on race rubber.

This week’s goal was to rebuild confidence after more than a month’s break since the last race at Phillip Island, as well as test the new Antispin and Idle control strategies in preparation for the next Superbike round. Work was spread across all three days and results were encouraging for both riders, who declared themselves happy with the progress made. By the test’s end, the two riders had completed approximately 140 laps each.

The factory squad will return to Spain next week, for Round 2 of the world championship that will take place at Motorland Aragón between 11 and 13 April 2014.

Quotes at the end of testing:

Davide Giugliano – Ducati Superbike Team #34

“We’ve carried out many electronic and suspension tests that have allowed me achieve solid results on a track that wasn’t in the best condition as far as grip was concerned. The key thing is that, aside from the fast time, we’ve had chance to get back on the bike after a month and I’ve immediately regained the trust with my bike. I’m confident because every time I get on the Panigale we make significant progress. The team spirit is also fantastic and my technicians always give me what I need.”

Chaz Davies – Ducati Superbike Team #7

“The testing has been very useful, especially after more than a month’s break. I was able to improve my references here at Jerez and the important thing is that I’ve been very consistent. We also worked on the new electronics and on the bike set-up and I’m pleased with how my Panigale is behaving, especially at the front.”

Ernesto Marinelli – Ducati Superbike Project Director

“We’ve had three very useful and intense days and the progress made gives us great faith for the next races. Both the riders and the entire team have worked very well and despite rain today, we have been able to complete all of our planned work. Times were positive and this should give us a good base for the next round at Aragón that has always been a difficult track for us.”