Tomorrow the tests begin, and Preziosi has announced that Ducati will bring the new 1000cc prototype with a full twin spar aluminium frame (finally!) for all Ducati riders, satellite teams included.
Preziosi mentioned the Bridgestone tires and the 6 engine rule as the reasons that brought about this change. It is not yet clear if the angle between the cylinders has been reduced as well. Preziosi added that this bike is only a laboratory bike, not the bike that will race the 2012 season.
They do not expect the bike to be immediately competitive with Honda and Yamaha of course.
Full twin spar? Are you sure its not just a rumor? (I kid, kid).
J4rno, you don't think they may have brought some of the changes because they have Rossi? Or are you still of the belief that Ducati haven't made any changes for him, they just occurred in spite of him?
"Finally!"? That's interesting enthusiasm, considering your previous suggestions and takes on the matter. You know what, I've also had a change in heart, I think the lessons of 2011 brought much to light, though I suspect there will be many who have not learned them or acknowledge them. And of course, they will eventually be forgotten. Notwithstanding, the fact that Nicky Hayden's fate is attached to Rossi, I'm hoping for the best. If they had to strap a turbo boost to the things, I would support it. It they asked me to send in a donation, I would send a substantial one. I just want to see them succeed.
I don't think DucatiGP are dumb as many have been accusing them, and I'll add, I have lots of respect for them as they have been committed to the sport. They simply tried something different in the real spirit of 'prototype' racing, and it turned out only one guy was able to capitalize on its unique design. I think had they been able to figure out the front end issue, Casey would have won several titles with them, and in 2010, it looked like even Nicky was coming to grips with it, as his string of 4th place finishes seemed commendable considering he was up against the Honda & Yamaha tops riders. Unfortunately, not even their best and "legendary" input by Rossi and Burgess were able to fix this problem.
If they continue to throw everything at the problem as they did this year, I think they will have better results for several reasons: the more power hopefully will mask discrepancies in the design that is now in its infant stage, and having a conventional solution such as a twin spar will allow them more effective input and adjustment from established experience.
Good luck to Ducati, they have two "aliens" on their factory bike, one recognized, one not, but the year end classification numbers don't lie...still.
