MOTOGP » Dovizioso: It’s a long term project

14 February 2013
Dovizioso on Ducati: The bad point is now
“We focussed on giving feedback to understand the direction for the future. Where I've pushed the engineers a lot this week, is that to fix [this bike] we have to work in every area,” he said.

“There is not one big, big problem and if we fix that we can fight for victory.

“In some parts we are not too bad, in other parts we are really bad,” Dovizioso continued.

“Like everybody knows, turning and corner entry is not the best. In braking we are quite good. But as I say we have to work everywhere, because if we just fix the turning it is not enough.

“We need some big change… To do this we need time. That is the worst thing about our situation, but we can do nothing about that. I still don't know what we will have to test at Sepang II because it is only two weeks.

“There are some projects at home to improve the bike already underway, but this is the base. We will see when the new parts arrive how different it will be.”

Dovizioso, returning to factory status for the first time since leaving Repsol Honda, insisted that he was not overwhelmed by the challenge.

“The bad point is now, at the beginning, because the gap is big and it is difficult for us to fight for important positions as we want to. But now is our moment. We have to work, we have to understand what we need to do.

“I signed for two years for a reason.”

Compounding the issue is that Dovizioso believes Ducati's main rivals have never been stronger.

“The level of the competitors is so high. I've never seen Yamaha and Honda both strong like this in the past, with all the strong riders, so to have the possibility to fight with them we need a really good bike.”

And will you be having meetings with Ducati between the tests?

“Of course... Maybe more than one!” smiled Dovizioso, winner of the 2009 British MotoGP.

Ducati switched from a carbon fibre to aluminium twin-spar frame, as used by Honda and Yamaha, for the start of last season.

The second Sepang test will be held from February 26-28.


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by Peter McLaren

Tagged as: Honda , Yamaha , Ducati , Casey Stoner , Andrea Dovizioso , Dani Pedrosa , Valentino Rossi , Nicky Hayden , Art , Tech 3 , Sepang , repsol , desmosedici
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herewego - Unregistered

February 14, 2013 1:08 PM

"At least Dovi understands the mountain they have to climb"!!!!
He isn't the first and he wont be the last!! Face it, Ducati can't produce a MotoGP race bike no matter what they do. Stoner's title win in 2007 was their pinacle and it has been downhill ever since! Ducati need to stick to road bikes and WSB and pull out of MotoGP as they are getting nowhere fast and they have no idea how to sort it out! Dovi obviously thought he would be able to ride the Ducati, but he now knows he has no chance, much the same as others who have tried. Ducati are a lost cause and are only going to succeed in ruining good rider's careers in their ongoing efforts ! Give it up before you become a laughing stock!!!!

jaybond - Unregistered

February 14, 2013 1:08 PM

Going back to the trellis frame design is something that could be a turning point for the Ducati team. Just look at the first MotoGP 1000cc era, their factory riders are constantly challenging for the top 6 positions.They have better understanding with that particular frame type.


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