Testing in Spain concludes positively for the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati Superbike Team

Jerez de la Frontera (Spain), Monday 21 September 2015 – The Aruba.it Racing – Ducati Superbike team has concluded an official test day at Jerez with good results.

Having concluded the race weekend only yesterday with fantastic results for its official rider Chaz Davies, the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati Superbike Team was back at the Jerez track today for testing, with Davies and test rider Luca Scassa riding the Panigale R bikes.

The Italian squad used the seven hours available to complete a work programme that included the testing of new Pirelli tyres with respect to those used in the races; the testing of some Antispin and Engine Brake Control strategies; the refining of software updates introduced during the recent race weekend; some front set-ups and different internal Öhlins suspension settings. The team made the most of being able to work more systematically and calmly than it can during a race weekend. Davies lapped with times in line with yesterday’s performance, completing a total of 68 laps. Unfortunately a technical problem kept Scassa in the garage for most of the morning session but in the afternoon the Italian was able to make 51 laps.

The Aruba.it Racing – Ducati Superbike Team is pleased with the feedback and information received and now prepares for the penultimate round of the 2015 Superbike World Championship, scheduled to take place over the weekend of 4 October at the French circuit of Magny-Cours.

Comments at the end of testing:

Chaz Davies (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati Superbike Team #7)

“We had a lot to do this morning and as a result we didn’t make the best of the cooler conditions. This afternoon went well, considering the heat. We made some changes because in recent races we’ve been losing grip on the new tyre and so that was my priority for this test. I feel we’ve taken a step forward there, and I was able to make my fastest time in the very hot conditions of the afternoon which shows we’ve found some speed with the new tyre. Aside from that, we’ve done some electronic work and a few other small things. It’s been a useful day.”

Luca Scassa (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati Superbike Team #99)

“After losing most of the morning, I lapped all afternoon without a break, completing many laps. We started out with Pirro’s set-up from yesterday and then gradually made changes to that. I tried many things that I hadn’t tested before on the bike, developments that Chaz has been testing since Sepang. I’m fairly pleased, also because I’ve done very few test days this year. It’s always a pleasure to work with the boys and I hope I’ve provided them with some useful information.”

Ernesto Marinelli – Ducati Superbike Project Director

“Post-race tests are always useful but also difficult. To lap consistently after the effort and tension of a race is always very hard for the riders. At the same time however, we obtain some very precise feedback, so close to race references. The schedule was a full one but we’re pleased with the information collected as it will be very useful for the two final championship rounds. We’ve just completed another weekend with great results but the work never stops and we would of course like to finish the season continuing the positive trend seen so far.”

More, from a press release issued by Althea Racing:

Pirelli Test – Jerez de la Frontera (Spain), Monday 21 September 2015

Team Althea was today back on the track that hosted yesterday’s eni FIM Superbike World Championship round, with Matteo Baiocco, Niccolò Canepa and Raffaele De Rosa taking part in testing and consolidating yesterday’s great work.

In reality, with no technical solution or update to test, Team Althea used the time to allow Raffaele De Rosa to build confidence with the Superbike, with the squad having prepared a special bike for him. After making some laps to familiarize himself with the new tyres and different electronics of the Panigale, later in the morning Raffaele was able to focus on lap times, closing the session with an impressive 1’42.206 that positioned him nineth in the standings.

A different programme for Niccolò Canepa who wanted to try a new seat position, using new handlebars and a different swing-arm for a little more agility. At the end of the session, he too obtained a very good lap time of 1’41.815, the fifth fastest time of the day.

Matteo Baiocco concentrated instead on ‘long runs’, gradually making small changes

to the chassis to continue to improve his riding. It’s clear that he has grown a lot as a rider and results confirm this. An increased awareness of his potential together with the team’s experience meant he was able to set the quickest time of the day (1’40.870) putting the whole field, world champions included, behind him.

The penultimate round of the season will take place at Magny-Cours on 4 October.