It might still be the winter time, but things are beginning to thaw for the MotoGP Championship, as we have our first team reveal for the 2020 season.
Ducati Corse is the first factory to reveal its machine for this year, but of course we all know that what shows up in Qatar is likely to differ to what is seen here, making this more of a livery unveiling and a bit of hype for the upcoming season.
That being said, we are still suckers for some good MotoGP machinery, and the Ducati Desmosedici GP20 is arguably the best bike on the grid right now in grand prix racing.
For Ducati, the 2020 season is not only about beating Marc Marquez and the Repsol Honda squad, but also staving off the progress being made at the other factory teams.
Andrea Dovizioso has been the runner-up in the MotoGP Championship for the last three seasons, which is a strong result for the Italian and the small Bologna team, but also frustrating because that result comes when the Honda RC213V has been at its weakest.
The ability shown on the track by Marc Marquez has frustrated Ducati’s hopes for another world title, which puts pressure on each passing season to capitalize on the strength of the Ducati Desmosedici race bike. For 2020, the thought is no different.
“We already left the 2019 season behind, a year that saw us confirmed as runner-up in the riders’ standings for the third time in a row with Andrea. Dovizioso scored nine podiums and two incredible victories,” said Ducati Corse General Manager Luigi Dall’Igna.
“At the same time, Danilo gave us incredible emotions with his victory in Mugello, which is a GP that we had won in the last three years. Still, we can’t say that we are completely satisfied as our ultimate goal remains the same: winning the championship title.”
“2020 will be even more intense and demanding with twenty races scheduled in the calendar, and our rivals will be even more competitive. That is why we all need to increase our commitment. For this reason, we have been working harder during the winter to offer to Andrea and Danilo a Desmosedici GP20 bike that will allow them to become leading contenders in all races and all conditions”.
Time will tell whether Ducati Corse and its riders can win the 2020 MotoGP Championship. One thing is certain though, they are highly motivated.
Technical Specs of the Ducati Desmosedici GP20:
Engine: Liquid-cooled, 90° V4, four-stroke, Desmodromic DOHC, four valves per cylinder Capacity: 1,000cc
Maximum power: Over 250hp
Maximum speed: Over 350 km/h (218 mph)
Transmission: Ducati Seamless Transmission. Chain final drive
Carburation: Indirect electronic injection, four throttle bodies with injectors above and below the butterfly valves. Throttles operated by double Ride by Wire systems Fuel: Shell Racing V-Power
Lubricant: Shell Advance Ultra 4
Exhaust: Akrapovič
Final Drive: D.I.D Chain
Frame: Aluminium alloy twin-spar
Suspension: Öhlins inverted front fork with carbon outer tubes and Öhlins rear shock absorber, adjustable for preload and damping
Electronics: Magneti Marelli ECU programmed with Dorna Unified Software
Tyres: Michelin 17″ front and rear
Wheel Rims: Marchesini magnesium alloy
Brakes: Brembo, two 340mm carbon front discs with four-piston callipers. Single stainless steel rear disc with two-piston calliper
Dry weight: 157 kg (346.1 lbs.)
Photos: Ducati Corse
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