Carlos Checa and Franco Battaini to test the new Ducati Desmosedici GP12 at Jerez.
The much-anticipated Desmosedici GP12
MotoGP machine, described as '90% new' by Ducati Corse general manager Filippo Preziosi, is to make its track debut in a private test that starts at
Jerez on Tuesday.
According to GPone.com, the test will last for three days, with development rider Franco Battaini and World Superbike champion Carlos Checa at the controls of the bike with which
Valentino Rossi will be aiming to end his longest winless run in grand prix.
Checa confirmed via Twitter that he arrived in
Jerez on Monday evening.
Unlike in recent years, the new Ducati machine was not unveiled during last week's Wrooom press event and will instead make its public debut - alongside its factory rivals - during the Sepang
MotoGP test, which starts on January 31.
As well as the 'new' GP12, factory Ducati stars Rossi and
Nicky Hayden will also have the previous version of the aluminium twin-spar framed bike to try in Malaysia - the same development bike as used by Rossi in last November's post-race Valencia test.
