The purpose of the exercise was purely to test the bike, still completely set up to IDM specification, against those that conform to quite different World Superbike regulations. Bauer, the official test rider for the Superbike development program, was to ride with the field - but out of the competition in a wild card capacity.  While a crash during Saturday's practice made it impossible for him to ride on Sunday, the outing still gleaned excellent results and data to advance the team's program.

In fact Martin on the RC8 R was never further down the order than sixth in the field of high-class competitors. In terms of timing he was slightly more than one second away from the leaders while using 17-inch race tires. This allowed the development team to assess the performance of the bike as super competitive and as showing excellent potential.

While Martin's crash excluded him from being on the track again on Sunday, he was also very positive about the outing to the Italian track, saying: “Sure, it was a pity that we could not join the race. But anyhow the trip to Italy paid off because we were able to collect good data and experience. We also had a very good pace. If it is up to me we can go back anytime for another race in this good championship.”

Much encouraged by the performance of the bike in Mugello, the development team now continues the work and the winter test program will be focused on the engine and development of the bike's electronics.

Qualification times after two practice sessions
1, Sandi, Ducati, 1:51.793
2, Polita, Ducati, 1: 51.926
3, Conforti, Ducati, 1:51.994
4, Baiocco, Ducatti, 1:52.274
5, Nannelli, Ducati, 1: 52.895
6, Martin Bauer, Austria, KTM RC8R, 1:53.397

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