Nico Canepa's turn of pace during the second World Superbike qualifying session at Laguna Seca is more than likely down to a new fuel tank and sub-frame assembly that has been bolted on to the bike after successful tests in Italy this week.

The new tank is longer and sits under the rider to move weight, and therefore centre of gravity further back. It also moves the rider slightly further back too.

This has been done to put more weight over the rear wheel, according to a Ducati insider, which will give better grip and improve corner entry - an area where the bike has been losing out this season.

This improvement will, of course, please Carlos Checa no end as he is out for the rest of the year...