The big news is the “shock horror” pre-release release of Ducati’s 1199 Panigale. We know pretty much everything about this bike already since a series of controlled “leaks” have been gradually feeding information to the media for months now. Dramatically short-stroke engine. Around 200kgs wet and around 200bhp so that stacks up well. Sophisticated electronics including some that can be adjusted on the move and destined for Superstock 1000 racing in the WSBK next year and the full monty in 2013.
Like the styling of the 999, it will appeal to some who see it as a logical step forward and others will hate it because it is starting to look more like existing offerings from other manufacturers.
Testing of the 1000cc MotoGp bikes will be happening as we speak at Valencia and will continue for two days. Ducti will have their new “prototype” frame their for evaluation (most likely a full double cradle aluminium affair). Overnight, Hector Barbera announced that he had signed for PRAMAC to replace Loris Capirossi. Still no word on the second PRAMAC riders though many expect that the team will scale back to a 1-bike outfit for 2012. RdP looks like he is returning to LCR Honda where he was always the happiest and Stephan Bradl also being in the frame for the ride. John Hopkins looks like being out of the picture. Bradl is testing the LCR bike today as a “reward” from Honda fro winning the Moto2 title on the weekend. Tony elias, whose horror MotoGp season is now over, looks like heading back to the Gresini team for whom he won the inaugural Mot2 championship. which of the two incumbents at Gresini (Takahashi or Pirro) will have to make way for Elias has not yet been confirmed. Johan Zarco is stepping up to Moto2 also with his existing team. His team mate will be current Spanish 125cc championship rider Eric Granado, but he won’t be able to join the team till Silverstone as he’s still only 15 years old! Andrea Ianonne will also be testing a Honda today and tomorrow.
What of Alvaro Bautista, I hear you ask? AB is still holding out hope of Suzuki continuing in MotoGp and the latest word suggests that they may, but using the 800cc bike from this year. Their Japanese test rider has tested a 1000cc MotoGp bike in Japan but the bean counters haven’t approved the venture yet.
Casey Stoner has ruffled a few feathers overnight by declaring that he’ll walk away from MotoGp is the FIM makes any further attempts to “dumb down” the premier category.
In other industry news, Honda has confirmed details and specifications of the Crosstourer 4, their big adventure bike based on the existing VFR1200F
While I don’t expect it to challenge the existing big adventure bikes, I can see it having a niche here in Australia where we have many miles of unsealed country roads. As long as the tankage is big enough, it could sell well.
British chassis maker, FTR, has unveiled its Moto3 challenger on the weekend, too.
It’s good to be home. I learned so much at WordCamp, but it’s still better to be here.
