Pasini rules out racing for Pramac in 09
Mattia Pasini was boosted by his maiden MotoGP test with the Pramac Ducati team at Brno on Monday, but says he will not race for the team this season
The Italian, who is currently fifth in the 250cc standings, was given the opportunity by the team because its regular rider, Mika Kallio, has replaced Casey Stoner at the factory Ducati team until the Australian returns to fitness.
He finished the test 13th fastest, 1.5 seconds slower than fellow Pramac rider Niccolo Canepa.
Pasini enjoyed his run on the satellite Desmosedici GP9, but confirmed that he will not race the bike this season and will instead concentrate his efforts on winning the 250cc title.
"First of all I have to thank Pramac, Paolo Campinoti, Ducati and all the people that allowed me to compete with the best riders in the world today, thanks so much," said Pasini. "It has been a sensational feeling to go so fast. I increased from going 255kmh on my 250cc, to over 300kmh.
"During the morning I had to adjust to the bike, but from the afternoon - after the heavy rain that has limited our learning procedure - I felt at ease and I could push much more. It is a really spectacular bike to ride with an incredible power. It doesn't seem so complicated to ride like I heard - on the contrary, it is really comfortable.
"Overall, I am very satisfied with how things went today. Now I will have to concentrate to my 250cc championship as I still have the possibility to aim for the title."
Pramac team principal Campinoti confirmed that Pasini will not race for the team this year.
"Sincere compliments to Pasini - he is a guy who never gives up, tenacious and he deserved this opportunity even if we are sorry that he will not be able to ride with us in the next couple of races," he said.
"It's a pity that rain limited the time at Mattia's disposal, otherwise I am convinced he could have sensibly improved his fastest lap time of the day.
"Anyway, we are satisfied with how things went, as we are not so far from the other riders with much more experience in this category. We all know how hard it is to jump on a MotoGP bike and get used to it."
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