Ducati rider Valentino Rossi opting to reset riding position on Desmosedici GP11.1 – MotoGP news
Ducati team rider Valentino Rossi is trying to readjust his riding position on the Desmosedici GP11.1.
After the recent poor performance at the Motorland Aragon event, the Italian rider was almost out of ideas for further development.
Rossi said, “We're losing in some quite strange areas. For example, compared to Stoner we are a lot slower on the straights, with the same bike as we had from the first test. We need to understand this because maybe this riding position is more suitable
for the shorter and smaller rider than the taller rider like me or like Nicky. We have to understand if we can improve it.”
Rossi tried the new modified front forks at the Brno test which showed improvement. Then he suggested changing the frame type. Filippo Preziosi accepted the idea and ordered an aluminium remake of the original Ducati carbon fibre chassis.
The freshly tailored chassis was developed by British company FTR and was debuted by Rossi at the Motorland Aragon GP. However, the chassis was not up to the mark and the tyre wear was accompanied by a sliding rear end.
After the event, Rossi reached a decision that the riding position is the problem affecting the pace on the straights. Considering the height of the riders, Rossi thinks seating position should be readjusted.
Rossi further commented on the issue as he said that he is not comfortable to ride aboard the Desmosedici GP. Now the crew will try the setup with different weight balance. Looking at his ride aboard Yamaha it seems to have difference in the position.
Presently, the Ducati team is far from solving issues but the effort is still on. Rossi and his crew did a lot of work during the season but neither of the problems was solved.
The bike setup still lacks pace and the characteristic problem of understeering prevails.
After the failure of the aluminium remake of the Ducati concept, the Italian team will be using a Delta-box aluminium frame by FTR in the GP12. The Delta-box style is used by their Japanese rivals. Let’s see how much of a difference that makes.
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