Ducati’s latest aerodynamic enigma – a lower-rear-quadrant back wheel shield – was more in evidence on the second day at Mugello, with factory rider Danilo Petrucci exercising the add-on, which yesterday only test rider Michele Pirro had used.

Asked about the difference, the ever-humorous Italian said there was none. “It is only because the bike looks more aggressive.”

Enlarging, he continued: “Ducati never tell us the purpose of modifications.” Doing so might plant preconceptions that would sully riders’ feedback.

But the effect was in any case, “very slight”.

Petrucci used it to be the first to break the track’s best-lap record in the morning, but alarmingly TV cameras seemed to spot it coming loose.

Dovizioso had said he wouldn’t try it during the weekend, but team boss Davide Tardozzi said that he would possibly do so on race day.

by Michael Scott

Photos GnG

Dovizioso, Italian MotoGP 2019