Ducati is having a press event in the Italian Alps, and has unveiled the GP11, its latest MotoGP weapon. According to Filippo Preziosi, General Director of Ducati Corse, the new bike involves a number of improvements in design. Aerodynamics has been a big focus, with the new bike allowing a higher top speed while reducing lift. This should also improve fuel consumption during the race.
With the new bike, Ducati also intends to improve power delivery by offering a flatter and more useable power curve. From an electronics standpoint, the GP11 should offer improved wheelie control and traction control. Below is a playful video from Ducati that showcases its new 7-time premier class (MotoGP/500cc) champion rider Valentino Rossi, teammate Nicky Hayden and their new bikes.
Am I the only one who thinks it’s funny that Ducati chose Polaris snowmobiles?
Yes Jimbo, it is. They are riding around on super electronically controlled machines. Very little action. Unfortunately, I literally fall asleep in my chair if I try to watch a whole race.
Bring…. It…. ON!!!!!!!! GOD, I can’t WAIT for this season to start!!!!! Spies will certainly change it from the “Fantastic Four” to the “Fabulous Five”!!!!!!! I have little doubt the Spies will win at least One race this year, and maybe more. Rossi will be as big a contender as ever, especially after the first few races, once he gets the Duc dialed in for himself.
This is gonna be an AMAZING year for MotoGP.
weird and pointless video indeed.. i mean, what’s with the drama about a broken snowmobile and a rescue team that what? calls in a chopper with 2 motogp bikes, culminating in a press coverage in the alps? reminds me of a random dream i had.
Never beed a real “Fan” of Nicky. However, I have been impressed with the work he has put into sorting out the Ducati. It is clear to anyone whom has watched MotoGP over the past few seasons, the Ducati is a challanging bike to ride. It eventually even put Stoner outside of his comfort level. Once Rossi adds his input, I believe Nicky will get on the podium this coming season.
Really hope Spies gives Loenzo a run for his money.
Speaking of which. Was it Rossi’s salary that caused Ducati to pull sponsorship from all SBK series?? To many, myself included, SBK is a better series than MotoGP. Rather dissapointing to see Ducati fall so far after Bayless’ departure.
Rossi already stated that there will be no wall between the two riders in the pit box.
Him and Nicky are a perfect grouping for the sport. They were teammates back when I first got interested in MotoGP… I think because of the Repsol bikes in the dealer showrooms, and secondly after I found out who the bike was ridden by in the championship I was hooked by the domination of one dude on that bike. The fact that there were Americans competing against him is what made me tune in to see how we stacked up…
Where can I get one of those stocking caps? not available on Ducati site yet.
What an odd and pointless video. I was hoping those two wussies would get on and ride away. They do have traction control, don’t they?
WIERD, as i was xpecting the same outcome…lol.
+1
ahem, that’s 9x champion if you please…
You are right. Thanks. I clarified the article to note the 7 titles were in the “premier” class.
ah boo(hiss). we don’t wanna short the man his conquest of the sub-classes do we…? afterall, they’re the hot topic of conversation. 🙂 ie. 250 -> moto2, 125 -> moto3.
Shawn,
Rossi has been teamed with Nicky before, they got along well. Possibly because Rossi didn’t consider Nicky a threat, unlike a certain Spanish rider.
Goose
I just wonder how these two will get along as teammates? Will they feed off of one another or will it be no talkie and no sharing? Only time will tell. This should be a wicked season, I can’t wait.
I think I read that Rossi said no wall and sharing info, That goes along with Ducati’s
one team theme and would also help Vale come to grips with the bike faster if his shoulder isn’t 100% at the start.
Tickets to Qatar?? I hate you Brinskee. Hey… I pack bags… I mix drinks. Uhh???
Agreed. Great season ahead of us. The sprinkles on Vale’s career. I gotta’ cheer for Nicky though.
I can’t wait for Qatar! Got my tickets last night – what a season we have in store! I don’t even know who I’m going to cheer the most for this year, but I hope it’s as exciting as I feel right now.
Can’t wait for Qatar???
Nice guys, cool bikes and all but tell me, when was the last time you could throw a blanket over even three guys near the finish of a MotoGP race?
Boring.
I haven’t paid that close attention for several years. Is it really that bad?