Positive first test for the Moto Rapido Racing Ducati team at Navarra

Leon Haslam made a welcome return to Ducati machinery this week, when he got his first chance to ride the Moto Rapido Racing Ducati team's Panigale V4 R at the Navarra circuit in Spain during the first of three R&G Official Tests. The 'Pocket Rocket' announced he was joining the Winchester-based team late last year, with high hopes of title success. And the positive start at Navarra means the team will move on to the next test at Donington in a great position.

Ben Currie is back on the Panigale V2, this time with a new Crew Chief in Les Pearson, as he aims to retake the Supersport title he won with the team in 2023. Ben and Les had lots to work through during the two-day test and made great ground with all the team leaving Spain on a high after the long winter break.

Leon Haslam (Moto Rapido Racing Ducati #91)

"First test at Navarra done and it’s safe to say it’s been a long winter, so I was excited to get started. I've spent a bit of time with Wilf and Hammy over the winter, but there’s nothing like being with the whole team in the garage, watching everyone get stuck in. We got through so much and luckily the weather was good to us. It was great to get on the Ducati again for the first time in a few years. My bike now is a far cry from any Ducati I’ve ridden before.

As far as tests go this one couldn’t have gone better, and for a first outing I feel like we’re in a really strong position. Next up is Donington next week, where we’ll really see what we’ve got and fine tune the bike for racing. Big thanks to the team for making this first test as smooth as possible. Can’t wait to go again!"

Ben Currie (Moto Rapido Racing Ducati #61)

"I had a really positive couple of days at Navarra and finally got back out with the team and my brand new Panigale V2. I was buzzing to get going on the new bike, especially with some changes compared to the one we’ve been running before. We got through a massive programme, testing new suspension components and ideas, plus taking a fresh approach to the chassis setup.

We spent most of the first day just getting me comfortable and understanding how the bike felt, as it’s pretty different to what I’m used to. We also welcomed my new Crew Chief Les Pearson into the team. He’s well known in the paddock, so no need for an introduction. As expected there were a few teething problems, but we worked tirelessly through different set ups and by the end of the test we were in a really solid place.

W’ve got a good base to work from heading into Donington, so we can really focus on getting up to speed. The team's in a great place, the atmosphere is spot on, and having one of my best mates Leon on the other side of the garage makes it even better."