The security measures in place at Jerez were those usually reserved for very secretive events, including the debut of very valuable machinery that must be shielded from the public eye. Thus Ducati ensured that no images were captured from their first of a three day test session. Of course the object of desire was the new GP12, if it will be called that, taking it's first steps in the hands of Franco Battaini and Carlos Checa.
The plan, as announced at Wrooom, was to have Battaini carry out reliability testing, while Checa began gathering the first setup data. Whether or not this was the case is still unknown, and so fans face a longer wait to find out the details of the latest Ducati creation. Technical director Filippo Preziosi spoke of a complete redesign from last version of the bike, and although it will again feature an aluminum twin-spar frame, there is speculation that the engine could either be oriented differently, or feature an tighter V angle.
UPDATE - Checa was on track with the 2012 Superbike, and he tested an electronics package that - it is speculated - could end up on the initial Desmosedici setup. He then took to the track with the GPZero, to establish some parameters for comparison over the the next two days. The 2012 GP12 should be tested extensively during the second day with Battaini, who is charged with performing shakedown runs for both machines.
Read more: http://www.gpone.com/index.php/en/201201175877/Top-secret-debut-for-Ducati.html#ixzz1jrS5pJ6i