|
Calafat test a success for Airwaves Ducati |
|
|
|
|
Thursday, 13 March 2008 |
Airwaves Ducati today completed their second successful test of 2008. The 2.02
mile Calafat circuit presented some difficult conditions for the riders but both
were pleased with their performance throughout the 4 day test.
With an
average air temperature of 22 degrees and a track temperature of 31 degrees, the
strong winds posed the biggest challenge to the Airwaves Ducati riders. Leon
Camier was unfortunate to crash on day 3 of the test, having completed 124 laps.
Shane Byrne completed 214 laps and was able to take advantage of the more
favourable conditions on the final day, setting a fastest time of 1:24.90.
Having injured his shoulder in yesterday’s crash, Leon Camier was unable to ride
his Ducati 1098R today but was confident about his performance and
recovery.
“I am feeling alright, I have damaged the back of my arm and my
shoulder but I don’t think it is too serious. We have had some really windy
conditions here; it pushed me off balance as I was entering the chicane, sending
me into the gravel and over the handle bars! I felt sore today so I wasn’t able
to go out. It was disappointing as before I crashed I had a bit of a
breakthrough, I was getting quicker, feeling more confident and despite the wind
I was pushing hard. On the whole it has been a good test and the bike is feeling
more like my own now. Hopefully I will be able to test at Snetterton and get
some final things sorted before Brands Hatch.”
Shane Byrne was pleased
with his performance at Calafat saying; “It has been a good test although the
conditions have been frustrating. The strong winds have meant that it has been
hard to consistently improve our lap times. The weather today has been much
better, my times have been falling and I think I went a tenth quicker in this
mornings’ session. I feel I have achieved my targets for this test and it stands
us in good stead for Snetterton where we have some ideas to try which should
make us even quicker ahead of the start of the season.”
Team manager
Colin Wright added; “On the completion of our European testing we are very
excited and are looking forward to the start of the 2008 championship. We have
achieved everything we set out to do in pre season testing; familiarising our
riders with the Ducati 1098R; special thanks must go to new partners Pirelli
tyres and Motul who have seamlessly integrated themselves into the team. Leon
and Shane have slotted into the Airwaves Ducati team superbly and we are
confident for the year ahead.”
Airwaves Ducati will attend the official
BSB test at Snetterton on 22nd – 24th March before the season commences on April
6th 2008.
|
