MotoGP, Forés: "The Ducati is not as tough as it was a year ago"

A Ducati leads the way. It's not Davies's bike though, or even Melandri's. The protagonist of today's test was in fact Xavi Forés. In the final phase of the session, the Spaniard showed the rest of the pack how it's done. As well as setting a best of 1’31”412, there's another aspect that the Ducati rider is particularly happy about.

Your Monday couldn't have gone better.

“It was a complicated day due to the bad weather. Unfortunately in the wet I didn't have the right confidence, while in the dry I had really good pace. It's been a long time since I've felt like this, and I'm pleased. In the final phase I used the race tyres and was able to set the best time”.

What's changed since last year?

“With respect to one year ago, we've started with different suspension and a new setting, and have taken a step with regard to the electronics. I can be more constant and don't have to work as hard as before, as the bike is less demanding. This is just the start though, the road is still long”.

The weather is unpredictable here. Does this worry you?

“We have to work a little in the wet, we need to understand the limit. In case of rain, we'll find the best possible setting with which to be competitive. I hope we don't start the year with two races conditioned by rain though”.

You were able to put both Davies and Melandri behind you.

“If it were Sunday evening it would be perfect, but it's only Monday. Chaz and Marco are very fast, and also have much clearer ideas than we do”.

What are you still missing?

“I think it's too soon to say, we're definitely improving the aerodynamics. We need to cover more miles with regard to the straight and the electronics. We are better able to manage the tyres though and this is encouraging”.

Ernesto Marinelli came to congratulate you.

“He was very pleased with the result, as it's good to have three Ducatis in the front positions. As I've said though, this is just the beginning”.