First pictures: Bayliss and Hodgson test

These are the first pictures of Troy Bayliss and Neil Hodgson testing their respective 2003 MotoGP and World Superbike machines.

The pair has just completed preliminary test at Mugello in Italy, just over a week since the end of their WSB season.

Aussie Bayliss said he was satisfied with the V4 Descmosedici bike. He said: ” It’s nothing like my superbike. It’s much lighter and more powerful.

” We know we’ve got a great big job ahead of us but I’ve enjoyed what we’ve done so far and we’re making pretty good progress already. ”

Bayliss will partner Loris Capirossi in Ducati’s MotoGP squad, Capirossi will begin his tranche of testing as soon as his current contract with West Honda expires at the end of the MotoGP season on November 3.

Meanwhile, Britain’s Neil Hodgson racked up a total of 70 laps on the 999 superbike and reckons it’s going to be the bike to be on in 2003.

He said: ” The bike feels very different to my 998, with the new aerodynamics and the Michelin tyres ” he added. ” The engine is fantastic and the power feels very smooth, better than my old bike for sure. ”