Ducati News Today

Reports from the riders press conference ahead of this weekend’s Aragon round of the MotoGP championship have proved interesting for Ducati and Valentino Rossi. During the conference, Rossi admitted that he did indeed test an aluminum chassis on his Ducati Desmosedici at Mugello and will race with it this weekend.

Although most commentators, including us, had guessed the aluminum test had in fact had been conducted, this was the first official confirmation. Most journalists were of the opinion that a twin spar frame had been constructed by FTR to Ducati specs but Ducati News Today thought this unlikely as we pointed out last month.

Ducati News Today believes it is more likely that Ducati will test an aluminum monocoque chassis to try and see if it can deliver more rider front end feedback. When the carbon fiber monocoque debuted on the Ducati GP9, the factory also showed an aluminum version during testing. This development, if true, would have the benefit of being even closer to the solution chosen for the 2012 Ducati 1199 Superbike.

link: Ducati Brings a Knife to a Gun Fight | Ducati News Today

Rossi told reporters that the aluminum chassis was a ‘Ducati concept‘ and only the ‘front part of the bike’ was constructed in the metal supporting the notion that it remains a monocoque. Rossi went on to say that the aluminum version was ‘quicker to understand’.

Vale confirmed he will race with the new chassis this weekend. Last season’s first ever MotoGP at Aragon saw both Ducati riders make the podium.

Opening rendering via @manziana

If you liked this post please consider becoming a Fan of Ducati News Today on Facebook and Following us on Twitter.

Want More?
Read More Posts on Valentino Rossi

 

Try These Related Posts:

1. Check out the Aluminum Frame on Rossi’s Ducati
2. Lack of Juice Hampers Rossi’s Ducati Aluminum Chassis Debut