Ducati’s new tech
Have they done enough to take the fight to Honda?
The Ducati was strong once again in 2019, retaining its title as fastest
MotoGP machine, but its top speed advantage has shrunk. The GP19 achieved the highest top speed of the season in Mugello but Honda’s RCV made a big step up in power, so much so that it was able to top the speed charts occasionally. The Ducati also excelled in braking and acceleration but, in what must feel like groundhog day for the Italian engineers, its riders continued to complain about turning and mid-corner speed. Ducati’s riders brake late, it’s a strength of the machine each tries to exploit. As a result they tend to spend less time at maximum lean, requiring a little patience with the throttle and focusing on strong acceleration, making use of their wings and advanced electronics to manage that power. It’s pretty clear where Ducati’s major focus lays with the 2020 prototype; improved midcorner speed through a new chassis. They will also keep in mind the marginal gains which can be found in their strong areas with engine, electronic and aerodynamic development. Another area where Ducati excel is critical decisions on tyre choice - when it’s a tough call Ducati tend to make the correct one. Tyre choice assisted in their Austrian victory. The tyre wear modelling performed by Ducati engineers in combination with MegaRide software still seems to be ahead of their rivals in predicting tyre consumption. Ever the innovators, Ducati were also the first to bring the controversial, swingarm-mounted scoop, tyre cooling device to the party in 2019.