DUCATI DESMOSEDICI

Riders Andrea Dovizioso, Jack Miller, Danilo Petruci, Francesco Bagnaia

Wins 2 Podium 8

Best championship position 4th Dovizioso

Ducati’s innovative ride height device was the talking point during the early rounds of the season, but that perceived advantage was soon to filter through the paddock as other manufacturers developed their own take on the technology. Much of 2020 was a struggle inside the factory team, citing the extra grip from the 2020 rear Michelin tyre as the route of their woes. Dovizioso in particular struggled to replicate previous form with his only victory coming when Michelin supplied a different variation on the 2020 rear tyre to cope with the high heat generated in Austria.

The increased grip from the rear tyre affected Ducati’s ability to stop the machine. Understeer has always been an Achilles heel for the Desmosedici and in recent years Ducati had managed to work around the issue, but no answers were forthcoming in 2020. The riders could no longer slide the bike on entry or take advantage of Ducati’s superior stopping performance. The reaction of the front tyre upon release of brake created a moment which lacked feel and steering. Ducati are pushing for the new front Michelin to be introduced for 2021. Ducati feel the new front tyre combined with their 2021 line-up of Jack Miller and Pecco Bagnaia will thrust them back into title contention. Surprisingly, Ducati won the Manufacturers title despite the relative struggles throughout the season.