Ducati tests chassis components on 'lab' bike

Ducati tested new MotoGP chassis components and electronic strategies during three days of private testing at Jerez, which concluded on Sunday.

The factory, which finished the first official test of the year at Sepang with a two-second gap to the top, invited Pramac MotoGP rookie Andrea Iannone to join test rider Michele Pirro on track in Spain.

"During the three days, several new components on the chassis side of the 'laboratory' bike were tested successfully and everything went according to expectations," said a Ducati statement.

"In addition the riders tested some different electronic strategies and they also went according to plan, leaving the team satisfied with the outcome.

"The success of both of these solutions indicate that the Ducati Team is working in the right direction, in what is just the first phase of its development programme for this year."

Factory riders Nicky Hayden and Andrea Dovizioso made clear that new developments will be required to close the gap to the front, but are unsure what will be available for the in time for the second Sepang test from February 26-28.

"To fix [the bike] we have to work in every area," Dovizioso said after the first test. "There is not one big, big problem and if we fix that we can fight for victory."

Multiple Moto2 race winner Iannone was 14th out of the 28 riders at Sepang, with a best lap time 0.75s from fastest Desmosedici rider Hayden.

Former Gresini CRT rider Pirro was not present at Sepang I but is expected on track at Sepang II.