Loris Capirossi follows on from Sete Gibernau in press conference. New
Ducati Desmosedici GP6 launched.
Wrooom 2006, Madonna di Campiglio (Tn), Italy, January 18 - The Wrooom
MotoGP Press Ski Meeting 2006 continues for a second day at Madonna di
Campiglio in northern Italy. Today, in a unique and spectacular setting
- the finish-line of the legendary '3-Tre' course at Campiglio - the
Ducati Marlboro Team pulled the wraps off the Desmosedici GP6, the new
MotoGP machine that Loris Capirossi and Sete Gibernau will be
campaigning this season.
Claudio Domenicali, Ducati Corse Managing-Director, was on hand to
illustrate the key technical changes for the new bike from the Borgo
Panigale manufacturer.
"Racing in MotoGP allows us to operate with machines that are pure
prototypes, developing technology that will subsequently be transferred
to our production bikes. Ducati has always borrowed concepts and
innovations from the racing world, and we transfers the possible
benefits to our entire production range" declared Domenicali to the
press after unveiling the Desmosedici GP6. "The Desmosedici GP6
represents an evolution of the GP5; apparently it doesn't present any
marked differences with its predecessor, but it is in fact an important
step forward. The bike is lighter but we have done a lot of work on its
stiffness (with the frame, rims and front forks), especially at the rear
of the bike. The composite structure that we call the seat support has
been totally redesigned and stiffness has been increased by more than
80%. The bike's ergonomics have undergone a notable evolution with the
fuel tank modified in line with requests from the riders. We have also
focussed on the bike's 'driveability', and in this area we have made
available a whole new range of instruments and technologies that will
allow the race engineers to package the power behaviour and delivery of
the engine according to the requests of the riders and the conditions of
the track. We have also worked on engine power, modifying the internal
fluid dynamics and as a result we have a different thermodynamic layout.
We have attempted to increase power as well as reduce fuel consumption,
an area to which we have dedicated a lot of attention, by working
maniacally on engine friction. One point of which we are particularly
proud is the reliability of the bike; in 2005 we took part in 17 races
with two riders, without ever having a problem, and we have also
maintained this line for the next season."
"The evolution of the bike has obviously involved our partner,
Bridgestone. Even though we know that we still have some work to do on
certain kinds of track, we also know that we are on the right road and
the results of the last few races of last season confirmed this
improvement; our aim now is to be competitive at every circuit."
"The 2006 team is a very strong one on the rider front. Loris is a
confirmation for us and as soon as the bike-tyre package allows, he
makes no mistakes and brings home great results. A warm welcome for Sete
Gibernau, whose joining us is a clear demonstration of the importance
that is given in our team to the role of the riders: Sete is a great
rider and he and Loris together make up a great team."
Then it was the turn of Loris Capirossi who appears more motivated and
fired-up than ever on the eve of his fourth season with the Bologna
manufacturer and team.
"I have seen the birth of this project" declared Loris on greeting the
press at Wroom 2006, "and I consider it to be an honour to still be in
the team and still be riding the Desmosedici. It is a fantastic,
stimulating project that has given us some great satisfaction but which,
I feel sure, will give us some more this season. For 2006 we have an
extremely efficient package with great potential, thanks to the
development and evolution that the bike has had and to the collaboration
with similarly motivated and capable partners, like Bridgestone, who
demonstrated what they were capable of last year. We've still got some
way to go obviously and our championship begins at the forthcoming tests
in Malaysia. Our aim will be to produce good performances on a regular
basis, which will be the key for the difficult season that lies ahead of
us. The team is strong and motivated and everyone is working with great
professionalism, expertise and seriousness, we are truly a great team!"
Regarding his new team-mate, Sete Gibernau, Loris added: "We are working
well together despite going in different directions, but we both have
the same aim - to have a bike that allows us to fight for the win. Sete
is a great rider, I get on well with him and the collaboration between
us since the first day of testing confirms the Ducati Marlboro Team's
potential for the 2006 season."
Tomorrow will be the final day of Wroom 2006. Guests will bid farewell
to the snows of Madonna di Campiglio with a slalom race on the Grosté
course between Ducati Corse riders and management and journalists.
From Monday the Ducati Marlboro Team will get down to its first test of
the new season at the Sepang circuit in Malaysia (January 23-25),
immediately followed by another three-day test session at the Phillip
Island circuit in Australia from January 30 to February 2.
