SATISFATION IN THE TEAM FOR ALMERIA'S TEST

(Bologna, 2004 December 24)

Back from the two-day test in the South of Spain, on the track of Almeria,
marked by a polar cold weather, Stefano Caracchi looks to be quite satisfied
about the work done on the 749R Ducati, which has been rode either by Gianluca
Nannelli, for comparison test with the absorbers, as by Fonsi Nieto for a first
contact with a 4 stroke machine to evaluate the possibility by the Spanish rider
to contest the World Superbike.

"The only negative point of view of those test days has been the cold, proper
for a polar expedition." - jokes the team owner Stefano Caracchi - "Our aim was
to allow Fonsi Nieto to get confidence on a 4 stroke bike, to evaluate the
possibility for a co-operation during next season and after this test an
agreement looks to be very close. Fonsi, during the final day with dry but very
very cold track, made 33 laps and did appreciate the bike's handling, spending
also words of praise for the whole team saying "I'd be proud to work with them
for the harmony reigning in the team". The contact with Fonsi goes on
incessantly and we hope to come early to a positive conclusion. The presence of
a fast Spanish rider in the Superbike series should be a great success from
which all the championship could get a great benefit. Gianluca too, hardly
engaged in shock absorber test, is satisfied for this test. Despite the frozen
track we found an excellent grip solution and all the team is gratified. The
happiest is of course Gianluca, who has a more and more better feeling with the
749R.."