Since MotoGP bikes will be changing over to 1000cc engines next year, the FIM has allowed each rider of existing teams 8 days of testing the 2012 prototypes during this season. Valentino Rossi and Nicky Hayden were the first to test the Ducati Desmosedici GP12 in public at Jerez a few weeks ago. Rossi tested the new Desmosedici again this week at Mugello and has declared himself pleased with the direction that the bike is moving in terms of its development. Many consider that Rossi’s real challenge aboard a Ducati will start next year and not so much this year, which is being seen as a damage limitation season.