Cadalora tests Modenas.

Out of work Italian GP500 star Luca Cadalora tested with the Kenny Roberts team yesterday, in an attempt to help rookie David de Gea get on the pace.

Cadalora ran the Dunlop-shod Modenas KR3 in the midst of Michelin rivals, as the French tyre manufacturer granted special permission for the team to gatecrash its private test session at Mugello, and expressed his surprise at the bike's potential.

''I watched the Modenas in practice [for last Sunday's Italian GP] and it looks quite interesting with its compact engine,'' he said, ''It's a real pleasure to be able to get back onto a grand prix bike, and I'm happy to help Kenny and his team if I can. He has just asked me to lap around on the new bike and, as I have no preconceptions about the bike or the test, I can approach thjis with a completely open mind.''

Cadalora's last competitive ride came earlier thjis month, as he subbed for the injured Carl Fogarty of the Ducati Superbikle, but the Roberts team had no hesitation in offering him the chance to help its inexperienced Spanish regular.

''This is the only 500 David has ever ridden, but Luca has vast experience,'' revealed team manager Chuck Asland, ''I'm confident that he'll be able to give us a lot of information that we can use to help David and our own development.''