Valentino Rossi feels GP11.1 is not the last step for Desmosedici development – MotoGP news
Ducati Team rider Valentino Rossi feels that the newly bred GP11.1 is not the last step in the development of the Ducati MotoGP prototype.
Rossi says that the new GP12 prototype development has shortened the development time required for the GP11. The improved chassis has shown the difference in pace. The Italian has improved his pace on the new chassis and only the combination of 800cc power
plant and the new chassis is to be tested.
It is yet not clear whether the Ducati can beat the Hondas but it is most expected that the Ducati riders will get in the fight for top seats.
Rossi is back in Netherlands for the Iveco TT Assen Grand Prix. The Italian rider missed the 2010 Dutch race.
Though he missed the 2010 Dutch event, but he has a lot of experience at the track so everything is expected to go well. With the new bike in hand, the Ducati team is eager to see GP11.1 racing.
Rossi said, “With the GP12 I felt good right away, since the first test. I’ve ridden it three times, once in Jerez and twice at Mugello. We don’t have many references, especially compared to the other teams, so our true level of competitiveness remains to
be seen.”
The engineers believe that GP12 will not be much faster than GP11 (800cc). On other hand Rossi feels a significant difference between both. Yet the GP12 inspired chassis combined with 800cc engine has some questions on its pace.
Rossi further said, “I know that Honda has been quick from the start, especially in Jerez, but we've continued work on the bike and at Mugello we saw some encouraging changes. More than anything it’s a matter of feeling.”
He added that the GP12 was totally different and gave a good feel from the start. Rossi and his teammate Nicky Hayden will look forward to the situation as it comes. Rossi knows that Casey Stoner has ridden faster than Ducati but the action on race day is
still to come.
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