Under some sunny and warm skies at Jerez, Valentino Rossi got to meet the Desmosedici GP12 for the first time today. In total Rossi slagged the GP12 across the Andalusian circuit for a total of 50 laps saying, and was seemingly pleased the the new machine.
“I’m happy,” said Valentino Rossi after the test. “I like the GP12. In my opinion, it’s more enjoyable, more fun to ride. It was the first time we had it on the track, so we had some work to do, but the engine is nicer. It’s a lot of fun, and you can do some nice slides. It’s the bike we’ll ride next year, so it was very important—and also very nice—to be among the first to take it on the track.” Photos, video, and more are awaiting you after the jump.
Team Manager Vittoriano Guareschi rode the GP12 yesterday, along with Ducati’s test rider Franco Battaini. Guareschi was on-hand today to help run the test with Rossi, while Battaini focusing his attentions on improving the GP11. Also on-hand was Technical Director Filippo Preziosi, while Nicky Hayden will have his chance with the GP12 tomorrow.
“We chose to have our factory riders—today Vale, tomorrow Nicky—try the bike beginning with its first test, because we think their feedback is essential for starting us on the right path for the early development,” said Preziosi. “To be able to work with Vale for a full day is more than any technician could ask. We gathered considerable feedback that we’ll translate into further design and development for next year’s bike.”
“The positive thing is that the technical choices made for the GP12 in the initial planning phase, in 2010—and I’m referring primarily to the engine, which is still a big-bang, and to the rear end—were endorsed by Valentino. This gives us great satisfaction, and we’re optimistic about the work that still remains to be done. We know that our competitors are also working hard and developing their 2012 bikes, but that just makes the challenge better.”
Source: Ducati Corse
Seem to have an extra “vh” in the video URL there. It plays fine without it. Tks for the vid and pics. Next season should be interesting with the new 1000s.
Looks like the 2012 is gonna be much more exciting than the 800 cc era, where close racings are very rare, or few. more slidings and more defining factors on the riders.
Currently, the 800′s (most if not all) are having to be leaned out by their electronics to ensure the bikes make it to the end of the race. How will adding cc’s without allowing more fuel make things better? I hope honda is selling enough scooters in Indonesia to justify the slow choking of MotoGP.
Anyone else notice the decidedly M1-ish shape of the new swingarm??
@ Patron:
I think the idea is the larger capacity bikes can build the same power as the 800′s at lower revs, extending engine life, and allowing the use of less electronic aids. That’s the theory anyway…
And what time was posted with the GP12? Hmmmmm…..
RT @AR_newsonly: First Shots: Rossi Rides the Ducati Desmosedici GP12 – http://bit.ly/flubwv #motorcycle
The bike looks amazing, but i would’ve loved to hear it instead of the music.
Yay! The 1000′s are back!
Bring on the powerslides!
On another note, I can’t wait till Rossi’s replica helmet is available. I thought nothing would top his Five Continents design but this one is much better.
I never understand why people make motocycle videos and then replace nearly all bike sound with some crappy music. I want to hear the sound of the bike.
M1 swingarm ?
See this image of the 2011 M1, sorry cannt see much that parallels the M1 on the GP12..however, I think the design differences are noticeable, while the Italian one looks graceful , the Japanese one shows (perhaps), the influence of Furusawa san (or at least his guidance) as it is heavily detailed in terms of engineering stress articulation. Checked both 201 M1 and 2011 M1 and see little obvious change ?
http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/wp-content/gallery/2011-yamaha-yzr-m1-motogp-race-bike/yamaha-motogp-livery-yzr-m1-lorenzo-2.jpg
Good spotting on the shape though – it looks slick from this angle anyway.
Also, it does seem like he is comfortable on this model..its just something in one of the photos that is consistent with his body position over the past few years that has not been present this year in still around the web, until this image…I could be wrong, but he looks comfortable.
@walt
thats not bad man, with 81mm max regulation,
the objection is increasing the stroke, its mean the engine character is more torquee than the old 990..
so, there will be less of high rpm , and it won’t consume too much gas
Wait until you see the new RCV and M1.
@ iDrive07: I was referring specifically to the shape. I was not in any way suggesting they were using an M1 swinger.