Yesterday's press conference at Brno was the first opportunity for Valentino Rossi to comment on the rumours flying around about his possible move to Honda next year. Commenting that his "new manager" … [Read more...]
Going backwards fast
The Rossi/Ducati experiment is starting to look like a farce. I'm sure that, when the VR/JB duo signed on the line, they were thinking that it wouldn't take too long for the magic to happen and that … [Read more...]
Exhausting business
As notified yesterday, Ducati Corse held a private test at Mugello yesterday, a triple-header, actually. On test was the current GP bike, the GP11, next year's GP bike, the GP12 (of which more in a … [Read more...]
Testing, testing – again
Jerez was booming to the sounds of a Ducati V-Twin yesterday, just a few days after the grand prix on the weekend. What? Isn't there a strict testing ban? Yes, there is, but Ducati have found a … [Read more...]
Rossi tests for Ducati – again
No, not an unofficial MotoGp test, just an "informal" ride at Misano on a WSBK-spec bike. Why? Supposedly for fun, but more to test out progress on his shoulder, post-surgery. he only managed 25 laps … [Read more...]
Ducati pitches in to flood relief effort
This is a great story. Alex Briggs, one of the Ducati MotoGp mechanics, has persuaded the factory to get on board with helping the recovery from the Queensland and Victorian floods. Go to … [Read more...]
The two faces of Vito
Back in WWII, RAF pilots coined the term "boffins" to describe the technical people who worked behind the scenes performing all the minor miracles that enabled the pilots to do their work … [Read more...]
Ducati launches the GP11
In a snowbound resort in the Italian Alps, Ducati unveiled their 2011 challenger, the GP11. Looking strangely bare with the withdrawal of Marlboro sponsorship, the bike is said to be "evolutionary … [Read more...]
“We’re not turning our bike into a Yamaha.” Ducati chief.
When Valentino Rossi's move to Ducati was first mooted, I posted that the move may not be the marriage made in heaven that many were predicting. I noted that Ducati have a particular way of doing … [Read more...]
Advertising war heats up
OK, so the Italians always do things a bit differently, but this Aprilia ad, with more than just a hint of a sideswipe at competitors, Ducati, shows that the gloves are off in … [Read more...]