The Italian was out on track at the circuit on Thursday as the development of the 2012 Ducati prototype continued.

Valentino Rossi joined the Ducati Test Team at Mugello on Thursday for the third and final day of a special run which continued the development of the Borgo Panigale factory's 2012 prototype.

It was Rossi's sixth of the eight testing days permitted for each factory rider and there was no shortage of work for the nine-time World Champion to get through as he put in 82 laps, trying out an updated electronics package and chassis.

In sunny but not overly hot conditions Rossi rode until 6.30pm local time, unaffected by a minor fall at the Scarperia-Palagio section on his third lap of his first outing on the bike in the morning. Filippo Preziosi and Vittoriano Guareschi were both present in the garage to observe the Test, with official Ducati Test rider Franco Battaini – who had ridden for the previous two days – on track with Rossi.

“It was an interesting day, although it was quite a long one as we were riding until 6.30pm,” said Rossi. “Developing a bike requires a lot of focus and effort but is also very exciting, and it's very fulfilling to be part of a group of people pushing as hard as it can and all in the same direction. Today we confirmed various aspects of the GP12's electronics and chassis, collecting a lot of useful information for Filippo and the guys back at the factory. I think the work is well underway as we prepare for our next steps.”

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