From a press release issued by Xerox Ducati Nortel Networks – Scuderia Caracchi

ENDED THE THREE DAY TEST IN VALENCIA

(Valencia 2004, February 13)

Today ended the three day winter test session in Valencia. Xerox Ducati Nortel Networks riders focused once more in the final day to improve their feeling with the 999RS Ducati, not looking for a single fastest lap. Garry McCoy recorded in those condition the 14th fastest scoring 1:37.585, while a good improvement has been obtained by Miguel Praia, close to the 1:39 limit.

“We continued to work on the bike set up” – said McCoy at the end of the day – “Actually I don’t have much experience on this bike, the twin four stroke, so I want to test a lot of new solutions. Also what maybe a more experienced rider could exclude. In this way we spent a lot of time in the pit, but things are going better day after day, if not too quick, so I’m not really disappointed. In particular I believe that we have to focus our work for the qualifying set up and soft tyres, but as I said yesterday the team is working very hard to get the bike as I want and we are working well together. For the first race we have still two practice days and we could see the results of the work we’ve done here.”

Miguel Praia is quite satisfied for his improvement, also if at the end of the final session he crashed with any consequence, for a too quick throttle opening.

“What a pity for such a stupid mistake!” – confessed Miguel joining the pits – “I was so happy because my laptime was improving and I was trying to be faster, but I’ve lost the rear of the bike and I crash. However my feeling is always better, but I have to take care just about such mistakes.”

A crash ended the test session of Gianfranco De Matteis too; he joined the track for the last session, but without improve his performance:

“I felt in the infield at the end of morning session ” – said De Matteis – “and in the afternoon I had some pain, so I’ve been not able to be faster. But actually I’m quite satisfied for the result of the tests.”

Best Times of the Test:

Garry McCoy 1:37.585
Gianfranco De Mattheis 1:38.568
Miguel Praia 1:39.033

MIGUEL PRAIA PROFILE

Born in Portalegre (Portugal) in 1978, March 2nd

Started racing in 1997 on a 125cc Sport Production Aprilia

Twice winner of Honda CBR600 Cup in Portugal (years 2002-2003)

5th in Macau Grand Prix Supersport class in 2002

4th in Macau Grand Prix Supersport class in 2003

10th in Portuguese round of European Supersport Championship at Braga circuit in 2002

8th in Portuguese round of European Supersport Championship at Braga circuit in 2003

22nd in Portuguese round of World 250GP Championship at Estoril circuit in 2003