From a press release issued by Ducati UK:

KINNISH COMPLETES TWO DAY TEST WITH HM PLANT DUCATI WORLD SUPERBIKE TEAM.

2002 Ducati Monster S4 Challenge Champion Juan Kinnish realised a dream last week as the 26-year-old flew to Almeria, Spain to take part in a two day test with the HM Plant Ducati World Superbike Team.

Juan was flown by Ducati UK to Spain, joining team riders Chris Walker and James Toseland on their 2003 pre season testing

Having been awarded the test ride for winning the Monster S4 Championship, Juan quickly got to grips with the 998 F02 Superbikes (as ridden by Troy Bayliss last season) as he consistently improved on his times throughout the two-day test, eventually posting a fastest time on day two of 1:46.03.

“I was a little apprehensive prior to the test, as I just wasn’t sure what to expect,” commented Juan. “But the whole team made me feel really comfortable, and were surprisingly relaxed considering they had allowed me to ride both of their riders’ 2003 machines.”

HM Plant Ducati team manager Colin Wright commented, ” Juan showed a great deal of understanding during the tests, and got consistently quicker throughout. We were all impressed with his performance and wish him the best of luck for the future.”

Following the tests Juan is now looking to the forthcoming season with even more enthusiasm and hopes to be competing at British Championship level again.