Laconi dominates on Ducati Fila debut.

Ducati Fila's new line-up of Regis Laconi and James Toseland had their first ride on the full factory spec 999s that they will race in the 2004 World Superbike championship, during a three-day Pirelli test at Valencia.

Although the main purpose was to give Pirelli, the official one-make tyre supplier for next season's World Superbike, World Supersport and European Superstock championships, vital data - much attention was also on who would grab the initial advantage as the likes of Laconi, Toseland and new Foggy Petronas rider Chris Walker all took to the track with their new machines.

Ultimately it would be 28 year-old Laconi, fourth in this year's championship, who shone - grabbing the limelight right from day one, and setting the pace with a 1min 35.6secs circulation, on qualifying tyres.

That time is just 0.6sec behind the fastest qualifying lap from this year's Valencia event, set by Laconi's predecessor Neil Hodgson on a Michelin shod 999, proving that Pirelli are at least 'in touch' with 2003 pace. Laconi also set a 1min 35.9secs lap on race spec tyres.

"It's the first time I have ridden the 999 after following them around all year so I'm very happy!" declared Regis after his 215 laps. "Ducati have made the 999 fast, it's so enjoyable to ride and I'm already working very well with the team. We have a good feeling with the bike and we did a lot of work in these days, testing a lot of tyres and changing the settings. The front tyre is already OK and good for my style of riding and it's important to set a good lap time right at the start."

The Frenchman finished the test 0.9secs clear of nearest rival Toseland - the former HM Plant Ducati rider recording a 1min 36.4 best during a total of 195 laps.

"It's all new for me and the only thing familiar is the track!" joked Toseland. "The first three days have been difficult as I knew they would be, but we've just got to get into the massive learning curve. The chassis and the riding style of the 999 are very different so we're working hard on that as well. It's all just a confidence-building exercise really.

"I'm pleasantly surprised with the way everything went and we're not far off the times I set earlier this year. If we improve like this, I know it's going to be a good championship," added the 23-year-old.

Meanwhile, Lorenzo Lanzi (lower pic) continued testing with the Ducati 749R the Italian will race in the 2004 World Supersport championship, setting a quickest time of 1min 39.3secs in his 180 laps - 1.3secs behind pace-setter Jurgen van den Goorbergh.

Leading Superbike times - Valencia test.

1. Regis Laconi FRA Ducati Fila 1min 35.6secs
2. James Toseland GBR Ducati Fila 1min 36.4secs
3. Troy Corser AUS Foggy Petronas Racing 1min 36.9secs
4. Chris Walker GBR Foggy Petronas Racing 1min 38.2secs

Comparative lap times - 2003 Valencia WSBK:

Qualifying: Neil Hodgson GBR Ducati Fila 1min 34.932secsRace:: Neil Hodgson GBR Ducati Fila 1min 35.007secs