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.”
