Ducati took the wraps off its new Desmosedici GP11 race bike that will battle for glory in the 2011 MotoGP season. Ducati riders Valentino Rossi and Nicky Hayden were present at the bike unveiling at Madonna di Campiglio.Ducati claims the GP11 shown to the press is ‘step 0,’ as it represents the initial bike which will be worked upon further. The principal characteristics will be the evolution of the motor and of the throttle body to obtain a flatter and more useable power curve.
As for the chassis, the aerodynamics are completely new, with improved top speed, reduced consumption, and reduced front lift were goals. Ducati will be working on other aspects like the new frame, which has already undergone various tests of rigidity and flex. There will be tests to compare swingarms with different rigidity characteristics, and a fork that combines the 2011 hydraulics with the 42mm tubes, instead of 48. As for the electronics, Ducati is also working on wheelie control and traction control. Ducati will test the bike at Jerez and Malaysia before the MotoGP season get underway in March.
Unnatee Gidithuri
Suraj Viswanathan
