Misano Adriatico (Italy), Wednesday 16 May: Ducati Xerox Team riders Troy Bayliss and Lorenzo Lanzi gave a resounding thumbs up to the new Misano World Circuit as they completed a two-day testing session on the new track layout. The former Santamonica, a classic of the Superbike calendar, has been totally modified, resurfaced and lengthened by 120 metres to 4.180 kms. The Misano World Circuit was inaugurated in its latest configuration at the end of March. It retains a similar layout to the old track but races will now be run in a clockwise direction.
Bayliss, a four-times winner at Misano Adriatico, was enthusiastic about the new track after setting quickest time in 1'35.3.
"I did a day and a half of testing on the new track and on the new surface. I didn't think there could be a better track than the old Misano but I actually like this one better. Right now it's perfect, I really love it! It's going to be a bit hotter when we come back for the race but it's not going to change too much as the track has excellent grip. It's different riding around clockwise now, it's really physical and has lots of character. The only problem is it's going to be hard to pass on, but it's surprised me and I really enjoy riding it. We made a little work on the bike, even from the second race at Monza we've changed a couple of things that have helped us and I've made a lot of good laps today, a race run as well which went really good. I feel as good as I ever have on the bike and am really looking forward to moving on to Silverstone".
Lorenzo Lanzi, who was third quickest with 1'35.9, also had a positive opinion about the track.
"I really like it, it's very physical because there are some big bumps and they tire you out a lot. I went pretty well in these two days, just half-a-second or so behind Troy, which is not bad because he is the reference point for everyone. I worked a bit for the Silverstone race but mainly for Misano, we tried a lot of tyres and I found one that was satisfactory."
The Misano leg of the World Superbike Championship takes place in a month's time from 15-17 June.
Unofficial times: 1. Bayliss (Ducati Xerox) 1'35.3;
2. Corser (Yamaha) 1'35.6;
3. Lanzi (Ducati Xerox) 1'35.9;
4. Haga (Yamaha) 1'36.6;
5. Xaus (Ducati) 1'36.8;
6. Nieto (Kawasaki) 1'36.9;
7. Laconi (Kawasaki) 1'37.6;
8. Fabrizio (Honda) 1.38.3.
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