Grapevine: Schumacher takes Ducati for a ride
Michael Schumacher completed a private test on the Ducati Desmosedici GP5 MotoGP bike at the Mugello track today
The former World Champion requested the test, and his Ferrari team chief Jean Todt permitted Schumacher to make the run on two wheels only once the Formula One season was over, and on a track the German was well familiar with.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Schumacher had his first laps on the MotoGP monster around midday, having been delayed in the morning due to uncertain weather.
Schumacher ran before lunchtime a total of 20 laps, with his initial laptimes around two minutes and 40 seconds. He was able to later bring the times down to two minutes and 13 seconds.
In comparison, Valentino Rossi took pole position at Mugello earlier this year, with a time of 1:49.233. Ducati rider Loris Capirossi set a time of 1:49.633 in that qualifying session.
Schumacher is set to continue his MotoGP test in the afternoon hours.
Schumacher's run is held behind closed doors, with only few exclusive photos released. Ducati team manager Livio Suppo and rider Randy Mamola are supervising Schumacher's progress, with a select few Ferrari personnel also present, including test driver Andrea Bertolini.
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