Ducati team concludes test

From Marlboro Ducati

A second day of post-race testing at Le Mans concluded early Tuesday 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 Monday and Tuesday had allowed Stoner to complete the majority of work planned for this test and the Australian was straight back on the pace Tuesday morning on race tires.

Marco Melandri completed only a handful of laps Tuesday. With lower ambient and track temperatures he waited until 10:30 before taking to the track, and then he also stopped at the lunchtime break.

Unofficial lap times (just morning session)
1. Casey STONER (Ducati) 1:34.068
2. Valentino ROSSI (Yamaha) 1:34.599
3. Erwan NIGON (Honda) 1:37.371
4. Marco MELANDRI (Ducati) 1:38.536