One day after the 2007 MotoGP World Championship has ended, the Ricardo Tormo circuit welcomed back the MotoGP teams for a first look at the new pilots who will race the 2008 season. The Pramac-d'Antin Team, made up of the Spaniard,Toni Elias, and the Frenchman, Sylvain Guintoli, started the Ducati's of the Italo-Spanish Team for the first time today, though they were GP7's Sat as the definitive version of next season's bike, the Ducati GP8 Sat, will not be ready until the Winter Tests.
The day was very productive, as Elias logged the sixth fastest time and Guintoli eleventh, demonstrating their rapid acclimation to their new steeds.
Toni Elías (42 laps. 1´33´43)
“I'm very happy with my first contact with the Ducati, because I adapted quickly in the few laps that I made with the bike. The feeling has been very good, and I like the Team. Everything is new for me, and little by little I'm going to work to understand all the new impressions the bike gives me. Tomorrow we will work on the set-up a little more to continue improving and continue to adapt parts of the bike to my style of riding. In summary, today has been very positive for me”.
Sylvain Guintoli (45 laps. 1´34´36)
“My first impressions are very good, with the bike and with the Team. The atmosphere is laid-back in general, and this makes me feel at ease.The Ducati is a great package, with a very fast engine, and a chassis and suspension combination that allow me to ride with total confidence. Tomorrow, I hope to continue adapting to the bike and lowering my times, and little by little start adjusting things to my preference”.
Unofficial Times:1. Casey Stoner 1´32´34
2. Nick Hayden 1´33´17
3. Chis Vermeulen 1´33´18
4. Loris Capirossi 1´33´26
5. Dani Pedrosa 1´33´38
6. Toni Elías 1´33´50
11. Sylvain Guintoli 1´34´36
