Page 124 - Australian Motorcycle News (January 2020)
P. 124
sport
MotoGP
Ducati launches GP
Horsepower gains and mid-corner agility still the target
DUCATI CORSE BOSS Gigi 350km/h top speeds. “We still have some – which field the definitive
Dall’Igna has been drawn But Ducati’s long suffering work to do on the chassis V4s of modern-era MotoGP –
into a risky horsepower war riders are desperate for evolutions, that is our could be a setback for in-line
against Honda for the 2020 a chassis solution to the priority, at the Sepang and four cylinder rivals Yamaha
MotoGP season. Dall’Igna slow mid-corner turning Qatar tests where we will and Suzuki.
revealed the strategy at the that is entrenched in the also have new swingarm The faster corner speed
2020 Ducati team launch in Desmosedici’s DNA. design,” said Dall’Igna. and sublime handling of the
Bologna, but denied that Unless a new chassis The Bologna launch Yamaha YZR-M1 and Suzuki
the power chase would configuration fixes that mainly featured the GSX-RR is blunted by the
distract him from Ducati’s issue, the championship cosmetics of a fresh paint ‘free’ time gained on the
primary weakness. hopes of Ducati, Dall’Igna job and stickers with carbon straights and into braking
“It’s easier to win races and lead rider Andrea fibre wheel covers, but not zones by faster, higher-
if you have the fastest bike Dovizioso will be weakened. the GP20 chassis layout and horsepower V4 machines.
on the track, it’s important A final solution to chassis aero fairings with which In 2019, the Honda and
to have more horsepower issues is the pressure facing Ducati will start the season Ducati V4s combined to
than your competitors,” Dall’Igna for 2020, not at the Qatar Grand Prix. win 15 of 19 races, leaving
said Dall’Igna as he claimed whether the GP20 edges The reality of 2020 Yamaha and Suzuki to share
that chassis development Honda by a few kays an hour performance will only take two wins apiece.
remains a priority. in top speed. shape from the Sepang test No surprise that Yamaha
A power-up V4 is the That must be the focus of although Dall’Igna states the star Valentino Rossi hopes
response to the stinging pre-season testing which obvious by noting “our most that a late Christmas present
setback of Honda’s top speed opens at Sepang over 7-9 important competitor will be will be a Yamaha engine
resurgence in 2019 that saw February, which will be the Marc Marquez and Honda.” “that is 10km/h faster in the
the RC213V easily matching first public outing of the The horsepower war straight.” Rossi will get his
Ducati’s once-untouchable prototype GP20. between Ducati and Honda answer at the Sepang test.
COLIN YOUNG
Is this the year
Dovi and Ducati
celebrate the title?
