Ducati pinpoint engine problem at Le Mans Test
A second day of post-race testing at Le Mans concluded early when the Ducati Corse engineers, studying the data in their possession, singled out the component that caused the breakdown of Casey Stoner’s engine in the Grand Prix de France. It was therefore decided not to continue with the test in the afternoon in order to avoid further damage to other engines. Engineers back at the Borgo Panigale factory will now replace the component in question before the team’s home race at Mugello in just over a week’s time.
However, sunshine yesterday and today had allowed Stoner to complete the majority of work planned for this test and the Australian was straight back on the pace this morning on race tyres.
1. Dani Pedrosa (SPA) Repsol Honda1’33.106
2. Valentino Rossi (ITA) Fiat Yamaha Team1’33.661
3. Casey Stoner (AUS) Ducati Marlboro1’33.994
4. Chris Vermeulen (AUS) Rizla Suzuki1’34.108
5. John Hopkins (USA) Kawasaki Racing1’34.484
6. Loris Capirossi (ITA) Rizla Suzuki MotoGP1’34.730
7. Nicky Hayden (USA) Repsol Honda1’34.752
8. Shinya Nakano (JPN) San Carlo Honda Gresini1’34.911
9. Alex De Angelis (RSM) San Carlo Honda Gresini1’34.926
10. Anthony West (AUS) Kawasaki Racing1’35.082
11. Marco Melandri (ITA) Ducati Marlboro1’36.064
12. Erwan Nigon (FRA) HRC Test Team1’36.341
13. Olivier Jacque (FRA) Kawasaki Racing1’37.424
Le Mans record lap: V. Rossi (Yamaha) 2006, 1’35.087
Le Mans best Lap: C. Edwards (Yamaha) 2007, 1’33.616
