[Dukerob]

Checa makes Ducati debut at Valencia
News, 01/11/04

Carlos Checa made his unofficial debut onboard the Ducati Desmosedici on Monday afternoon. The Spanish rider was joined on track by his new team-mate Loris Capirossi as Ducati Marlboro began their winter testing programme just one day after the end of the 2004 MotoGP World Championship.

Riding the current version Desmosedici GP4, Checa clocked a best lap time of 1’34.0s whilst Capirossi ran up 41 laps, working to find the traction that he had lacked during the weekend. The Italian’s best lap time was 1’34.4. Both riders will continue testing on Wednesday and Thursday.

“It is strange to ride two different bike in two days but I am glad to be starting my relationship with Ducati so early,” commented Checa. “There is a good atmosphere in the team and they have all made me very welcome. I’m looking forward to getting back to work on Thursday and making more progress.”

..... I still think its a crazy decision to swap Bayliss for Checa but I guess they just want to sell more bikes in Spain !!!