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The Ducati may be fast, but it has a fearsome reputation for being a bike that does not turn. Three-time runner-up Andrea Dovizioso spent his eight-year tenure at the Italian manufacturer pleading with the engineers for change. Last time out at Jerez – a technical, and relatively low-speed circuit which historically does not play to Ducati’s strengths, – they bagged an incredible 1-2 to take the lead in the title standings. Yes it was helped by Fabio Quartararo’s arm pump, but it underlined the massive steps they’ve taken. MCN’s tech guru Michael Laverty investigates.
1 TURNING TIGHTER THAN YAMAHA’S M1
Ducati have certainly got the 2021 Demosedici turning better than ever – watching the onboard rear-facing camera from Morbidelli’s Yamaha during the race and witnessing Pecco Bagnaia turn under and inside the M1 around Jerez’s notoriously tricky infield section was a first. The bike looks more agile, lighter almost and certainly less cumbersome than previous Ducati MotoGP machines. Yet the overall geometry seems relatively unchanged and it still has the longest wheelbase on the grid.
2 AERO SUCK
Ducati’s revised aero package has more wing surface area on the nose cone, therefore downforce will be increased. The new lower aero on the bellypan, with its downwash ducts may well be at the forefront of the improvements. The new ducts are believed to have a twofold effect – reducing drag at speed thanks to the increased air pressure under the machine, but the more intriguing aspect is utilising ground effect to help suck the machine towards the ground at lean angle. Of course, chassis revisions have also been part and parcel of the improved machine and the extra grip from last season’s Michelin upgrade no longer over-powers the front tyre thanks to a revised weight distribution.
3 NEW TECHNIQUES
The final sector at Jerez has always been tough for Ducati as the fast rights behind the pits suit the inline fours and their more natural turning. Interestingly Pecco was the only rider to take turn 11, the first of the fast rights, in 3rd gear, then shift up to 4th between the two corners. Listening to his machine it was at quite high RPM which keeps load of the front; and it actually turned tighter than the Yamaha as Morbidelli chased his front end to a wider apex, using more road to turn the bike. Jack had a similar gear pattern to the Yamaha’s yet was also able to make the Ducati turn through those fast rights, even with that lower RPM putting more load on the front tyre through the fast turn 11.
4 IGNORANCE OF YOUTH
Ducati’s youthful roster is working, although it was Zarco who led the series after the opening two rounds. Miller is the only Ducati rider with experience of previous evolutions, Bagnaia is in his third season on Ducati, Zarco his second alongside three rookies in Martin, Bastianini and Marini. Not having those preconceived ideas about the bikes turning, or its inability to do so could well be a blessing inside Ducati. Younger
riders trusting the engineers, combined with the beauty of not knowing any better, is a large part of what helps youth excel in the modern era of MotoGP
5 UTILISING 300BHP
Ducati still reign supreme on the speed charts, the increased drag from the nose cone seemingly negated thanks to the downwash ducts, leaving Ducati with increased downforce yet less overall drag and even higher top speeds.
The anti-wheelie effect of the downforce derived from the new nose cone assists in acceleration, the engine boasts a rumoured 300bhp and that long wheelbase helps get all that power to the ground whilst maintaining stability. Tyre management has always been an issue when you have lots of power; Ducati seem to have struck on the optimum balance, utilising the rubber available over race distance with finely tuned torque mapping which also puts the 22 litres of fuel to its most efficient use. Only guzzling the extra millilitres when necessary on the straights, making overtaking easier on the Desmosedici.
6 MORE TO COME
Things are looking promising for the rest of the season and Ducati have three riders who can battle for the title in Jack, Pecco and Zarco. They have been strong on the three very different circuits seen so far this season and I think we can be confident they will maintain this form, especially as we visit circuits throughout the summer that have typically been kinder to Ducati. To win in Jerez, with a convincing 1-2 finish, albeit thanks to Fabio’s arm pump issue, is the most promising start to a season for Ducati since their days of having Casey Stoner at the helm.