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Written by jon strike on March 13, 2007 at 16:03
We are just back from Valencia after testing the MV Agusta F4 1000cc prepared by GIMotosports.The weekend started with us nearly missing our flight and having to run to catch the plane -- not very professional! We arrived at Valencia midday on Saturday, quickly checked into our hotel and then went straight to the circuit to meet the GIMotosport Team. They were there testing with Pirelli, and as well as their Superstock bikes, they were testing the newly prepared MV Superbike with Ayrton Badovini aboard.We spent the afternoon chatting with the team and getting to know a little more about the bike and its set up, ready for Vic's test on Sunday.Two of the MV Factory technicians were there helping with the setup of the superbike, and test riding two brand new 07 machines -- one of them was unceremoniously dropped into the kitty litter by one of the GIMotorsport riders (oops).One of the technicians was the works development test rider, and he explained the improvements that had been made to the new model, which include reworked cylinder head and revised engine mapping.Saturday evening we met up with Nino and his wife Sue from NGRoadracing, They had made a stop off in Valencia to see Victor's test before going on to holiday with friends. It was good to see them and we all had a great evening.On Sunday we had breakfast and headed off to the circuit, arriving there about 9 o'clock. It was a lovely blue cloudless sky but very chilly, and it was decided to wait for the sun to warm the track up a bit before Vic's first test session.Vic had not ridden at Valencia since 2005, when he rode to 16th place in the European Superstocks aboard a Beowulf Suzuki K5. We suggested that Vic use the first session to familiarise himself with the bike and track. But we weren't too disappointed when Vic started backing the MV in on his second lap and he finished his first session just off his 2005 qualifying time and a couple of seconds off the GIMotorsport rider's times. Impressive stuff!Vic's second session was at about 3 o'clock and by this time the track had warmed up nicely. Vic was awsked to do a couple of easy laps to bed in a new pair of pads and then come in to check everything was ok. This was done and Vic was then told by their team mechanic to give it some "gas". Vic didn't need to be told twice and before too long all the GIMotosport Team were on the pit wall watching Vic and one of their own riders dicing for position with Vic the eventual victor, but not before a few exciting backing in manoeuvres from Vic had us and the Team shaking our heads in disbelief.
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