MotoGP 2011: The Ducati/Dr Era Begins

[Tifoso]

Re-posting as I could not get into the other thread

Date Grand Prix (Circuit)

March 20th Qatar* (Losail)
April 3rd Spain (Jerez)
April 24th Japan (Motegi)
May 1st Portugal (Estoril)
May 15th France (Le Mans)
June 5th Catalunya (Catalunya)
June 12th Great Britain (Silverstone)
June 25th Netherlands** (Assen)
July 3rd Italy (Mugello)
July 17th Germany (Sachsenring)
July 24th United States*** (Laguna Seca)
August 14th Czech Republic (Brno)
August 28th Indianapolis (Indianapolis)
September 4th San Marino & Riviera di Rimini (Misano)
September 18th Aragón (MotorLand)
October 16th Australia (Phillip Island)
October 23rd Malaysia (Sepang)
November 6th Valencia (Ricardo Tormo – Valencia)

* Evening Race
** Saturday Race
*** Only MotoGP class

[Tifoso]

Comparing the GP10 and the GP11 Desmosedici's

Ducati Desmosedici GP10 vs. GP11


Despite looking the same, we outline the major changes to the 2011 Ducati Desmosedici MotoGP bike
Posted: 13 January 2011
by Robin Goodwin

Consider this a technical spot-the-difference, but with the unveiling of the latest Desmosedici it appeared that new model hadn't changed drastically from the previous GP10. Ducati engineer Filippo Preziosi detailed the changes and now seeing the two side-by-side it is easy to view the progression from GP10 to GP11.

The bodywork is the initial visual attraction of the machine and from the comparison the fairing has changed completely. Noticeable are the revised shark-fin side vents and the wings that the team introduced last season to increase downforce.

Preziosi detailed the revised engine of the GP11. The motor remains the same but with a change to the principal characteristics to improve the fundamentals for a flatter and more useable power curve.



visordown.com

[Tifoso]

Rossi tests new hovercraft cart

[Tifoso]

Ducati begins testing:

Ducati begins testing with GP11
The team worked on adapting a set-up that will speed up the development process for both of its riders in Sepang.
Having pulled the covers off the bike during its high-profile 2011 MotoGP launch last week, Ducati is putting the new GP11 through its paces with a first test of the year at Jerez.

With neither Valentino Rossi nor Nicky Hayden riding the machine, duties are instead being assumed by a test team comprising of Vittoriano Guareschi and Franco Battaini.

The outing has been arranged as an opportunity for the team to better understand the GP11, as well as form an effective base setting for Rossi and Hayden when they get to ride the bike during the first official pre-season test at Sepang next month.

It was a very productive day, even though the track's grip was really bad, in part because of the high humidity and in part because the F3 test that took place until yesterday left the asphalt quite dirty - Guareschi told GPOne.com

“As planned, 'Batta' and I divided the responsibilities. I worked on the chassis with the goal of improving turn-in, while Franco concentrated on the electronics, including the new anti-wheelie and anti-spin systems that we're testing and adjusting. I think we found a couple of interesting things with the set-up that help with the front-end feel.

“We worked on ride height, seat position, and on many aspects of bike set-up that will help with all of the data-acquisition work that is necessary to be ready for Malaysia, when Vale and Nicky will ask us to change the bike in various ways.

“It's a refinement process that will proceed for the two days in order to speed up the factory riders' work in Malaysia.”
motogp.com

[Tifoso]

2nd day of testing

Vittoriano Guareschi and Franco Battaini completed the second day of a three-day Ducati MotoGP testing session at Jerez de la Frontera on Tuesday, lapping until the track closed since weather conditions made it pointless to ride prior to lunchtime. Guareschi completed 59 laps, while Battaini turned in 66.

“We started the test at 1pm since the morning was foggy, as usual,” said Guareschi, the Ducati Team Manager. “It was nice and sunny in the afternoon though, and we got in some good laps. I worked on the chassis, while ‘Batta’ continued with the electronics. Today I worked a lot on suspension, along with Öhlins technician Mike Norton, who looks after Valentino and who took advantage of this test to familiarise himself with working on the GP11. Franco is at a good point with his work dialling in the anti-wheelie control, so I’d say that for now, everything is proceeding according to plan.”

Press release courtesy of Ducati Corse Press

[Bikus]

It is good to see Ducati in action . I m in action too ...testing my reply to the topic because I still have problems with that . I have to log in every time when I want to post a message . I have no idea why , but I´ll try not to be lazy . hehe

[Ste]

It is good to see Ducati in action . I m in action too ...testing my reply to the topic because I still have problems with that . I have to log in every time when I want to post a message . I have no idea why , but I´ll try not to be lazy . hehe

That has always been the case

[Bikus]

That has always been the case

Me lazy ??? Yes I am . That´s why I like to jump from forum to forum , topic to topic with only one log in . Now , I have to log in every time and that is too much for my old bones . hahaha

Well , back to topic ,

If you want to learn more about Moto GP riders , they are all at one place :

http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/55/Mot...ider-Bios.aspx

[Ste]

Have you pressed 'remember me' on the login box?

[Bikus]

No , but I never did since day one ...long time ago .

[Ste]

You must have done at some point

Did you clear your cookies or something? That will have removed the password and the auto login.

[Bikus]

Hey , if you continue with questions I m going to be a LOG IN MASTER ....hahaha

Wait I have to log myself to send this message .

Yes I delete cookies often , but I m doing that all the time and I never had this problem before . Only once when G changed old forum TSN to this one I couldn´t stay logged . But I forgot what happened then , how we fixed the thing . I have to find old messages about it .

Sorry on slow reply I have to log in now ...again . hahhaaa

[Tifoso]

Ducati conclude Jerez programme


Thursday, 20 January 2011
The factory team completed a three-day Test at the Spanish circuit on Wednesday, as they made some final on-track adjustments to the Desmosedici GP11 before the official MotoGP Test at Sepang on February 1st.
Ducati conclude Jerez programme

The Ducati Team rounded off a three-day Test at the Jerez circuit in Spain on Wednesday, completing a productive programme of set-up work on the Desmosedici GP11.

Vittoriano Guareschi and Franco Battaini, who were tasked with carrying out the specified work on various areas of the set-up as outlined by Filippo Preziosi, began riding at 11.30am local time on Wednesday morning. Guareschi concluded his day at 4pm having ridden 61 laps, whilst Battaini continued until 6pm after putting in 90 turns of the track.

The Desmosedici will next be on track at the official MotoGP Test at Sepang in Malaysia, which takes place from February 1st-3rd and in which factory riders Valentino Rossi and Nicky Hayden will have the opportunity to evaluate the bike's progress.

“We were lucky because the weather conditions enabled us to test for all three days,” said Preziosi. “We identified two set-up configurations that Vittoriano determined to be suitable in terms of front-end feel and turn-in. With Franco, we found some interesting solutions for both anti-wheelie control and traction control.”

“We’re all satisfied with the work carried out, even though we’re aware that we’re dealing with technical solutions that were tried on a different track and in different conditions compared to those of Sepang. Only when Valentino and Nicky have had their turn to try and evaluate those solutions will we be able to have a more certain confirmation and to understand if we’ve taken a step forward – and if so, how big a step.”
motogp.com

Way I read this is that they have taken a step forward, but are waiting to confirm at Sepang.

Excellent

[Tifoso]

Provisional entry list out. Never realized that Hayden is #69

The FIM has announced the provisional entry list for the 2011 MotoGP World Championship, which gets underway on March 20th with the opening round in Qatar.

The provisional entry list is as follows:

1; JORGE LORENZO, SPANISH, YAMAHA FACTORY RACING, YAMAHA

4; ANDREA DOVIZIOSO, ITALIAN, REPSOL HONDA TEAM, HONDA

5; COLIN EDWARDS, AMERICAN, MONSTER YAMAHA TECH 3, YAMAHA

7; HIROSHI AOYAMA, JAPANESE, SAN CARLO HONDA GRESINI, HONDA

8; HECTOR BARBERA, SPANISH, ASPAR TEAM, DUCATI

11; BEN SPIES AMERICAN, YAMAHA FACTORY RACING, YAMAHA

14; RANDY DE PUNIET, FRENCH, PRAMAC RACING TEAM, DUCATI

17; KAREL ABRAHAM, CZECH, CARDION AB MOTORACING, DUCATI

19; ALVARO BAUTISTA, SPANISH, RIZLA SUZUKI MotoGP, SUZUKI

24; TONI ELIAS, SPANISH, LCR HONDA MotoGP, HONDA

26; DANI PEDROSA, SPANISH, REPSOL HONDA TEAM, HONDA

27; CASEY STONER, AUSTRALIAN, REPSOL HONDA TEAM, HONDA

35; CAL CRUTCHLOW, BRITISH, MONSTER YAMAHA TECH 3, YAMAHA

46; VALENTINO ROSSI, ITALIAN, DUCATI TEAM, DUCATI

58; MARCO SIMONCELLI, ITALIAN, SAN CARLO HONDA GRESINI, HONDA

65; LORIS CAPIROSSI, ITALIAN, PRAMAC RACING TEAM, DUCATI

69; NICKY HAYDEN, AMERICAN, DUCATI TEAM, DUCATI

motogp.com

[Tifoso]

Rossi takes part in surprise Superbike test


Valentino Rossi rides Ducati Superbike at Misano.
Just days before the first MotoGP test of 2011, Valentino Rossi has taken part in a surprise test on a Ducati Superbike at Misano (pictured).

In a repeat of the kind of tests he conducted last year on a Yamaha R1, to gauge the level of his recovery from a broken leg, the Italian MotoGP superstar used the 1198 ride to evaluate his fitness after shoulder surgery in mid-November.

Next week's Sepang test, from February 1-3, will be the first time Rossi has ridden a MotoGP bike since the shoulder operation, and also mark his track debut in full Ducati Marlboro colours.

“First of all, thanks to Filippo (Preziosi) and to Ducati, who organised this test,” said Rossi. “Misano Circuit let us use the track on a day when Mattia (Pasini) was planning to ride in order to confirm his own condition.

"The track more or less confirmed what we expected: the shoulder is painful—especially under braking, when the front area hurts, where they stitched the tendon. Movement is stable enough, and we're also doing not so bad with endurance, but apart from that, it hurts a lot and isn't very strong.

"Let's hope it gets a little better in these next few days before the test in Malaysia. Once we're there, we'll work with the riding position in an effort to make the most of the situation and collect important information with the Desmosedici, even though I'm not in top form.

"Today I did a total of 25 laps on the 1198 Superbike, which is sort of a 'historic' motorcycle for Ducati: beautiful and fast. I liked it!”

No lap times were released by Ducati.
crash.net

[Ste]

Pretty bad news that Vale is still having problems with his shoulder. I expected it to have healed pretty much all together by now. I hope it's fully fixed by the start of the season - doesn't sound like it though.

I can't see him taking the fight to Lorenzo and Stoner if he isn't fully fit.

[Bikus]

He´ll be fine just in time for the Championship battle . I don´t know why but I think Spies will be strong on Yamaha and this year I do hope to see some fight from Honda ( Stoner or Simoncelli ) because I LOVE HONDAAAAAAAAAAAAA !

[Bikus]

Have you pressed 'remember me' on the login box?

This time ( for the first time ) I did , and it works . Thanks Ste .

[Ste]

Testing times from today in Sepang:

Pos Rider Team Time Gap
1. Casey Stoner Honda 2m01.574s
2. Jorge Lorenzo Yamaha 2m01.977s + 0.403s
3. Dani Pedrosa Honda 2m02.024s + 0.450s
4. Marco Simoncelli Gresini Honda 2m02.295s + 0.721s
5. Ben Spies Yamaha 2m02.332s + 0.758s
6. Alvaro Bautista Suzuki 2m02.422s + 0.848s
7. Hiroshi Aoyama Gresini Honda 2m02.483s + 0.909s
8. Andrea Dovizioso Honda 2m02.507s + 0.933s
9. Colin Edwards Tech 3 Yamaha 2m02.514s + 0.940s
10. Randy de Puniet Pramac Ducati 2m03.152s + 1.578s
11. Kousuke Akiyoshi Honda Test 2m03.224s + 1.650s
12. Valentino Rossi Ducati 2m03.365s + 1.791s
13. Nicky Hayden Ducati 2m03.508s + 1.934s
14. Loris Capirossi Pramac Ducati 2m03.695s + 2.121s
15. Hector Barbera Aspar Ducati 2m03.767s + 2.193s
16. Cal Crutchlow Tech 3 Yamaha 2m04.009s + 2.435s
17. Toni Elias LCR Honda 2m04.238s + 2.664s
18. Karel Abraham Cardion Ducati 2m04.470s + 2.896s

[Ste]

Pedrosa scorches second day at Sepang
Source: Autosport

Dani Pedrosa moved to the top of the times on the second day of testing at Sepang, as the HRC Honda rider became the first man to break into the 2m00 bracket.

The Spaniard, who set his best lap time early in the morning session, was more than half a second faster than his team-mate Casey Stoner, while Ben Spies - trying different specifications of factory Yamaha M1s - was third fastest.

Pedrosa, who reckoned he had never ridden so fast around Sepang, tried the new 2011 engine among other things, and declared himself pleased with it.

"I think it's the first time I've ridden so fast on this track, but you're just fresh in the morning and I did four very good first laps," he said. "I was not looking for a time, but I saw that the track conditions were good and I pushed. The closer you get to the limit, the clearer the changes you are doing on the bike become, which lead you in the right direction.

"Today I tried the new engine, which has improved from Valencia, some chassis configurations and rear shocks. Tomorrow the plan is to continue comparing both bikes and it would be great to come away with the chassis and engine decided for the next test."

Andrea Dovizioso made it three HRC bikes in the top four, while Marco Simoncelli, using a factory RC212V run out of the Gresini garage, was fifth fastest ahead of team-mate Hiroshi Aoyama.

World champion Jorge Lorenzo was seventh fastest after spending the day evaluating a new chassis for his factory Yamaha, while Alvaro Bautista slipped to eighth on the sole Suzuki.

Hector Barbera was the fastest Ducati rider in tenth spot, the Aspar team 1.3s off the ultimate pace, but still some 0.3s up on the factory GP11 of Nicky Hayden who was 11th.

Valentino Rossi struggled with his injured shoulder once again, and was two tenths slower than his team-mate Hayden, the factory Ducati pair split by Randy de Puniet's Pramac Ducati.

Testing times:

1. Dani Pedrosa Honda 2m00.770s
2. Casey Stoner Honda 2m01.434s + 0.664s
3. Ben Spies Yamaha 2m01.508s + 0.738s
4. Andrea Dovizioso Honda 2m01.512s + 0.742s
5. Marco Simoncelli Gresini Honda 2m01.522s + 0.752s
6. Hiroshi Aoyama Gresini Honda 2m01.534s + 0.764s
7. Jorge Lorenzo Yamaha 2m01.563s + 0.793s
8. Alvaro Bautista Suzuki 2m01.687s + 0.917s
9. Colin Edwards Tech 3 Yamaha 2m01.722s + 0.952s
10. Hector Barbera Aspar Ducati 2m02.093s + 1.323s
11. Nicky Hayden Ducati 2m02.379s + 1.609s
12. Randy de Puniet Pramac Ducati 2m02.426s + 1.656s
13. Valentino Rossi Ducati 2m02.597s + 1.827s
14. Kousuke Akiyoshi Honda Test 2m02.619s + 1.849s
15. Cal Crutchlow Tech 3 Yamaha 2m03.032s + 2.262s
16. Loris Capirossi Pramac Ducati 2m03.047s + 2.277s
17. Karel Abraham Cardion Ducati 2m03.466s + 2.696s
18. Toni Elias LCR Honda 2m04.026s + 3.256s

[Ste]

Simoncelli ends Sepang test on top
Source: Autosport

Marco Simoncelli was the surprising pace-setter on the final day of MotoGP testing at Sepang on Thursday.

The Gresini Honda rider posted a best time of 2m00.757s, the best time of the three days of testing at the Malaysian circuit.

Simoncelli was followed closely by a group of riders who also broke into the 2m00s bracket, with Casey Stoner just 0.054 off the Italian's pace on the works Honda.

World champion Jorge Lorenzo was also less than a tenth behind the leading bike on his Yamaha.

Andrea Dovizioso on the second works Honda, and Ben Spies on the Yamaha completed the top five, with yesterday's pace-setter Dani Pedrosa down in sixth position.

Valentino Rossi finished down in 10th as he continued to acclimatise to the new Ducati, the Italian around three tenths of a second slower than team-mate Nicky Hayden.

Suzuki rider Alvaro Bautista was sidelined from the final day of testing after feeling unwell, the Spaniard replaced by Noburu Aoki.

"I am not feeling well at all, I have a constant feeling of sickness and it hasn't improved all day," said Bautista. "I tried to ride the bike this morning; I really wanted to use the good track conditions and try to do my first 2'00 minute lap-time of Sepang!

"But immediately I made the first lap, the physical effort made the sickness worse and it was just impossible. So, I must say sorry to the team and I am also very disappointed for myself."

Testing times:

1. Marco Simoncelli Gresini Honda 2m00.757s 42
2. Casey Stoner Honda 2m00.811s + 0.054 42
3. Jorge Lorenzo Yamaha 2m00.845s + 0.088 46
4. Andrea Dovizioso Honda 2m00.945s + 0.188 51
5. Ben Spies Yamaha 2m01.002s + 0.245 60
6. Dani Pedrosa Honda 2m01.241s + 0.484 44
7. Hiroshi Aoyama Honda 2m01.353s + 0.596 63
8. Nicky Hayden Ducati 2m01.534s + 0.777 60
9. Colin Edwards Tech 3 Yamaha 2m01.651s + 0.894 32
10. Valentino Rossi Ducati 2m01.842s + 1.085 52
11. Hector Barbera Aspar Ducati 2m02.030s + 1.273 42
12. Loris Capirossi Pramac Ducat 2m02.057s + 1.300 48
13. Randy De Puniet Pramac Ducati 2m02.159s + 1.402 57
14. Karel Abraham Cardion Ducati 2m02.645s + 1.888 29
15. Cal Crutchlow Tech 3 Yamaha 2m02.717s + 1.960 44
16. Toni Elias LCR Honda 2m02.916s + 2.159 55
17. Kousuke Akiyoshi Honda 2m03.452s + 2.695 3
18. Noburu Aoki Suzuki 2m04.700s + 2.943 46

[Ste]

Rossi: Shoulder costs me half a second
Source: Autosport

Valentino Rossi believes his still-recovering shoulder was slowing him by around half second during MotoGP testing at Sepang this week - but said his condition is a lot better than he had feared.

Although the former champion was in the midfield throughout the test, he said his physical situation had been his priority in Malaysia, rather than pure speed.

"I'm very happy because before coming here, I expected to do 20, 30 laps per day, and as it turns out, I did around 40 each of the first two days and over 50 [on the final day]," said Rossi.

"Of course I was really finished by the end, in part because the rest of my body has to work differently; my left arm has to do extra work, so it's very tired.

"But I'm really happy with my shoulder because it's improving day-by-day, and even after the stress of having ridden a MotoGP bike at the limit, I don't have any problems: now it's just a question of strength.

"My mobility has improved a lot, and I no longer think my physical limitations cost me a second; let's say I lose five or six tenths, especially on braking and in corner entry."

Rossi said his adjustment to the Ducati was still a work in progress, but felt he was on target.

"Obviously, there's still a lot to do, but compared to the start of the test, we've definitely got closer to the base set-up we're looking for," he said.

"There's no need to change the Desmosedici's character; we need to take advantage of its best characteristics - its stability and its engine - and improve the other areas, especially the in-corner behaviour, to make it turn better.

"In any case, the overall evaluation of the test is definitely good; today we're a second off the top riders, and also in the afternoon, riding with race tyres, the distance stayed around seven or eight tenths.

"I still have to do more kilometres in order to understand other aspects of the GP11 but, although I have to change my riding style a little, I now feel much more at home with the Ducati."

[Tobes]

Am I missing something or are Honda running three works bikes...?

[Suzie]

Am I missing something or are Honda running three works bikes...?

Yep they are, something to do with Dovizioso having a clause in his contract meaning he could still race for them.

http://www.motorcycle.com/news/2011-...ion-90380.html

At one point last season, it appeared that a three-rider Honda line-up seemed unlikely. With sponsorship money hard to come by, it appeared that Honda wanted to farm Dovizioso out to a factory backed satellite Honda team. With a strong 2010 season that saw him finish fifth overall, Dovizioso triggered a clause in his contract that guaranteed a spot on the factory team, keeping him on the Repsol Honda squad.
"I'm very happy to be part of the Repsol Honda Team, especially this year as we will be a very competitive team, stronger than ever,” says Dovizioso. “We are three riders able to fight for the win and the title, me and my team are very enthusiastic.”

[Tobes]

Yep they are, something to do with Dovizioso having a clause in his contract meaning he could still race for them.

http://www.motorcycle.com/news/2011-...ion-90380.html

Excellent, good for him, Dovi definately deserved to keep his ride...

Cheers Suzie...

[Tifoso]

Sepang Test Day 1

Stoner leads day one at Sepang
Sepang Test 2011 - Day 1

The second official 2011 pre-season MotoGP Test rounded off its opening day at Sepang with Casey Stoner top of the timesheet, as the Australian set the only lap under 2’01” on Tuesday. With an effort of 2’00.987 inside the final hour, Stoner was followed by team-mate Dani Pedrosa (+0.373s) for a Repsol Honda one-two at the top.

In typically sweltering conditions and with a general lack of grip being reported by the riders the duo of RC212Vs were followed on the timesheet by a brace of Yamaha M1s. First up was the factory machine of World Champion Jorge Lorenzo, who at 0.481s off Stoner had spent the day trying a modified chassis in a bid to deal with a chatter problem encountered last time out at this track. Monster Yamaha Tech 3 rider Colin Edwards was just over two-tenths further back in fourth.

Third Repsol Honda rider Andrea Dovizioso rounded out the day fifth fastest with a time of 2’01.747, with Yamaha Factory Racing’s Ben Spies close behind (+0.061s on the Italian) as the American concentrated on his M1 setting. Two more RC212Vs made it five inside the top eight as San Carlo Honda Gresini pair Hiroshi Aoyama and Marco Simoncelli finished within six-hundredths of one another. The Japanese rider was looking to define his suspension and rear grip and was the final rider within a second of Stoner, whilst Simoncelli worked towards better grip and braking performance having set the best time at the previous Test.

The highest placing Ducati on day one was the factory GP11 of Valentino Rossi, notably without the ‘wings’ that had featured on the fairing of the Desmosedici at its official presentation in January. Appearing to enjoy an improved comfort in his shoulder in comparison to three weeks ago the Italian worked on his set-up and on fixing his anti-wheelie setting, posting a best lap of 2’01.999 which was 1.012s off Stoner. {snip}


official site

[Ste]

Not looking great for Ducati or Rossi. I thought it was a bad move going there...

Rossi downbeat on Ducati's pace
Source: Autosport

Valentino Rossi says Ducati is lacking pace following the Sepang test, the Italian admitting he is not too optimistic the chassis issues can be solved.

Ducati concluded the second of Malaysia's tests today with somewhat sub-standard results.

The best Rossi and Nicky Hayden could manage was 11th and 12th respectively, disappointing for the pair after a positive start.

Rossi's efforts were blighted this week by flu, the six-time MotoGP champion losing an entire day's testing having to spend Wednesday in bed.

The Italian conceded he was not too hopeful on fixing the issues with the bike's chassis.

"We couldn't be satisfied with this test because we didn't reach our goals," said Rossi. "Instead, we're 1.8 seconds back, and our rhythm is also lacking. After the first day, we thought we could do it. We had started well and were able to make the bike work with the hard tyres, which is good.

"After that though, we didn't take steps forward. Although we have some good ideas for the electronics that I'm optimistic will solve those problems relatively easily, I'm not as confident about the chassis set-up. We tried hard, but we haven't yet managed it.

"I'm able to brake hard, but I'm still having trouble in mid-corner. It was definitely a disadvantage to only ride two days instead of three because we had to rush at the end and try many things in order to understand as much as we could."

Team-mate Hayden remained more hopeful about the GP11's lack in progress.

Hayden blamed no major problems, but "a combination of little details that prevented us from getting the results we'd hoped for."

The American praised his team but admitted: "We need to do better than this."

[Tifoso]

Saw this. Was too sad to post it

[Ste]

Saw this. Was too sad to post it

Me too mate, but never, ever, write off Rossi. He's a multiple World Champion for a reason!

I was speaking earlier to someone with a lot of knowledge about all things MotoGP, he believes Rossi's shoulder is still costing him time but it will fix itself and he'll be back to full mobility and health come the start of the season.

He isn't sure that Rossi will ever be champion again. The Ducati is behind both the Honda and Yamaha at the moment and with only a short time to develop it. They've got to push this year, they've had no success since 2007 and by 2012 the bikes change again to 1000cc engines.

He reckons the force this year will be Yamaha and Lorenzo. He's already proven, the bike has been developed over the past 7 seasons and Jorge can continue easily with what Rossi has done.

Rossi's problems aren't easy to solve but he thinks they will get around them, it'll just take time since they're probably going around the houses trying to sort them out. But again, by the time they're sorted it'll probably be time for a new set of regulations which could further hamper Ducati.

Essentially, he was saying never write Rossi off. The Yamaha was a dog of a bike when Rossi joined and he turned it into a multiple WC winning machine. If anyone can do it, Rossi can.

[Tifoso]

I sure hope so. Thanks mate. :)