Today's third and final day of testing for the Ducati Marlboro Team at Jerez de la Frontera was marked by clear skies and sunny conditions, but a cold wind meant that Loris Capirossi and Sete Gibernau could only take to the track at around noon.

Following Monday's convincing debut and yesterday's confirmation in the improved track conditions, for the final day of testing both riders preferred to concentrate almost exclusively on the Desmosedici GP6, lapping in similar times. Only Capirossi went out for a few laps with the GP5 towards the end of the day, which was useful to confirm a series of development indications.

Loris and Sete also tried out several qualifying tyres to give indications to the Bridgestone technicians.

At the end of the day Loris Capirossi had completed 64 laps, setting a best time of 1m40.947s on qualifying tyres and 1m41.394s on race tyres.

"Today the wind was really cold" declared Loris. "we did a lot of work with tyres of the same compound but with different structures and I think that our Bridgestone friends picked up some interesting data. At the end of the day I did several laps with the GP5, which was useful to understand the differences after three days of testing with the new bike. I am pleased with the work we have done over the last three days but now I just can't wait to go on holiday!"

Sete Gibernau continued to make progress, remaining out on the track right until the final minute of the session to familiarise himself as much as possible with the Bridgestone-shod Desmosedici as well as with the working methods of his new team.
The Spanish rider completed a total of 60 laps, recording a quickest time of 1m41.024s on qualifying tyres and 1m41.609s on race tyres.

"In these three days me and my team got to know each other a lot better" said Sete. "We did a good job and although we know there is a lot of work still to be done, this for sure is a great stimulus for me. Today for the first time I tried the Bridgestone qualifying tyres and they felt pretty good. It was important for me also to give my feelings to the Japanese technicians with these tyres. Now we're going to have a bit of a holiday break, but I can't wait to get back to testing at Sepang in January".

Now that the Ducati Marlboro Team's 2006 Desmosedici has completed a successful three-day shakedown test, the two riders can take a well-earned rest because tomorrow will see the start of the compulsory MotoGP testing ban which will remain in force until January 20, 2006.

The Ducati Marlboro Team will resume its testing programme once again at Sepang on January 23, this time together with all the other top MotoGP teams in view of the opening round of the 2006 championship which gets underway on March 26 at Jerez de la Frontera.