Following the presentation of the Ducati Desmosedici GP11 on Wednesday the creative mind behind the machine, Filippo Preziosi, gave a detailed technical insight into the major characteristics of the prototype that Valentino Rossi and Nicky Hayden will ride in 2011.
Having worked tirelessly since the Valencia Test last November, Preziosi explained that completely new aerodynamics were just one of many points that he hoped would make the Desmosedici a more improved package this year.
“The main changes are in the engine, they are internal and external and are designed to achieve a more favourable, flatter torque,” said Preziosi. “The aim of the changed aerodynamics is to reduce friction, therefore improving the maximum speed while reducing the lifting of the front wheel.”
He continued: “With the chassis we have a different rigidity and torsion, and a swingarm with a different stiffness too. We are making a new fork for Sepang, adapted to the suspension for 2011.”
“In terms of electronics we are mainly working on anti-wheelie and traction control. We will be at Jerez from January 17th-19th with Franco Battaini and Vittoriano Guareschi, who will be on track.”
Discussing working with Rossi on the development of the new bike, Preziosi said: “He is telling the technicians a lot of very precise information, the most surprising thing is how he is able to put everyone in a very calm mood and ready to work and analyse all the data. This is something very difficult to do when you are under pressure. We are also very happy because Jerry (Burgess) and the other guys have linked very well with our guys. They have great experience and we are trying to add our experience together to make a better bike.”
“I want to thank Yamaha again because they allowed Valentino to test, which was really important for us because we had a lot of priorities to work on. After that we could put them in the right order, so now we are working on the parts that we decided were priorities.”
Touching on the subject of Rossi’s shoulder injury, which has been a hot topic of conversation at the Wrooom 2011 event this week, Preziosi commented: “For sure the injury is a big problem because of the importance of the winter tests. I don’t think we’ll be able to do the winter tests in the best way because of this, but we are working hard.”
“The main goal for me this year is to develop the bike,” said Preziosi in conclusion. “We want to use this year to learn as much as possible to improve the bike.”
Source: http://motogp.com/
