Hodgson out to turn 999 from 'good to fantastic'.
New factory Ducati rider Neil Hodgson has finished his first test to develop the all new 999 Superbike - called upon to replace the glorious 998, with which Ducati won its 11th Constructors' title this season.
The British rider completed a total of 45 laps during his second day at Mugello in cool temperatures and slight rain. Hodgson searched for the right feeling on a bike that is totally different from the HM Plant-backed satellite Ducati 998 F01 with which he finished third in this year's World Superbike championship.
New factory Ducati rider Neil Hodgson has finished his first test to develop the all new 999 Superbike - called upon to replace the glorious 998, with which Ducati won its 11th Constructors' title this season.
The British rider completed a total of 45 laps during his second day at Mugello in cool temperatures and slight rain. Hodgson searched for the right feeling on a bike that is totally different from the HM Plant-backed satellite Ducati 998 F01 with which he finished third in this year's World Superbike championship.
"My first impression with the 999 is that it's very different to the 998," commented the Brit. "The engine feels better and the dual swinging-arm makes the suspension completely different to what I was used to.
"I'm already really looking forward to next season's World Superbike Championship" he added. "The 999 has got a lot of potential and it can improve a lot more so I think that in the next 3 or 4 tests we will be able to turn a good bike into a fantastic one."
Ducati Corse will move away from Italy for its next session with testing duties at the Valencia Circuit in Spain on 22 and 23 October. The Spanish track is ideal for development work as it is included in the 2003 World Superbike calendar.
Peter has been in the paddock for 20 years and has seen Valentino Rossi come and go. He is at the forefront of the Suzuki exit story and Marc Marquez’s injury issues.
