Yesterday’s MotoGP test at the Mugello didn’t leave Pramac Ducati’s Randy de Puniet very satisfied, despite the fact that with his best time of 1:49.
384, he was almost one second faster than his best lap during the actual race.
The French rider, who many thought could master the Ducati due to his rather loose and aggressive riding style is currently only 17th in the standings and yesterday compared his current Desmosedici chassis against the updated ‘step 1’ version.
Here’s what De Puniet after the test, “I turned a lot today, after yesterday’s race there was a lot problems.
At the end I can’t be satisfied, the others riders are always faster than me.
We made some progress on the bike used in this weekend, but not enough”.
Sylvain Guintoli who is to be Loris Capirossi’s replacement rider in case the Italian can’t be ready in time for the Sachsenring round, got reacquainted with the Ducati GP11; his last time on a Ducati prototype was back in 2008.
The WSBK rider ended his day three seconds slower than Randy de Puniet and five seconds off pace from Casey Stoner, and just slightly faster than Moto2 rider Andrea Iannone who put in a few laps to get a feel of what it’s like to ride a MotoGP machine and even ran off track at the San Donato on his first lap out.
“I had some difficulties today, especially with the tires,” said Guintoli.
“It was not easy to ride a MotoGP bike after many times.
I could not ask for more.
I’m confident, if I will have the opportunity to ride at Sachsenring I will be ready.
”While Iannone reported, “Today was a beautiful day for me.
It’s really exciting to ride a MotoGp.
I would like to thank Ducati and Pramac Racing Team that gave me this opportunity, especially engineers for helping me during the test.
I have to say that the difference from Moto2 is much, this bike has more horsepower and it’s hard to drive.
I have to learn so many things, but MotoGP approach has been a positive experience for me.
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