We're not quite sure what to title this. The Ducati-provided one was longer than the queue in a bank at lunch-time, but we thought the story was interesting all the same, if only because we got to see the Streefighter again.
Press Release:
Borgo Panigale (Bologna, Italy) – 30 March 2009 – The last two weeks have been particularly busy for Vittoriano Guareschi. The Ducati test rider, involved in both the factory’s racing programme (he has worked on development of the Desmosedici GP machine since its birth) and the development of production bikes, highlights just how important the transfer of information between the track and the road is for the Bologna-based technicians.
For the last few years Vittoriano has carried out a very important and demanding role. He is always ready to demonstrate his great levels of competence and technical sensitivity in order to guarantee the character and exclusivity that every single Ducati must possess. In the last fortnight his workload has been pretty heavy as he has been involved in a series of strategic activities.
Guareschi has been caught up in a real “tour de force” which began with a product test at Vallelunga on March 18th. After two days at that particular circuit, he travelled straight on to the Ascari Race Resort in Ronda (Spain) where, from March 22nd to 28th, he was a key part of the international press presentation of the new Streetfighter. Having worked on the bike’s set-up, Vittoriano then actively participated in the test sessions, riding the track and making himself available to the media for interviews. When the presentation concluded on Friday evening, Vittoriano went directly to Jerez (about 150km from Ronda) to take part in IRTA’s MotoGP tests. A true motorcyclist, he chose to travel from one Spanish track to the next by bike, and rode a Streetfighter to Jerez, parking up in the paddock and attracting the interest of everyone there. He changed into his Ducati Marlboro Team leathers and began two intense days of testing alongside the two factory riders.
He concluded this busy period by registering some very positive lap times on board the Desmosedici, even obtaining a personal best (1m41.485s) at the Andalusian track and thus confirming the levels of progress made by the GP9 over the weekend.
Ducati thank Guareschi, for his helpfulness, his competence, his determination and for his great kindness and passion.
