-
Home
- TV Shows
-
TV Schedule
-
SPEED Showcase
-
- NASCAR
-
Latest Headlines: NASCAR
-
-
Formula 1
- Auto Racing
- Moto Racing
- Cars
- Bikes
- Store
- Social
- Games
- Mobile
- Deals
- Videos
- Photos
- Home
- TV Shows
-
TV Schedule
-
SPEED Showcase
-
- NASCAR
- Formula 1
- Auto Racing
- Moto Racing
- Cars
- Bikes
- Store
- Social
- Mobile
- Deals
- Videos
- Photos
MotoGP
MOTOGP: Ducati Wants Rossi To Return In 2013
Ducati is dedicated to addressing Valentino Rossi's concerns and transforming their Grand Prix program in hopes of retaining the Italian's services for 2013.
Ducati Team's Valentino Rossi (Photo: Ducati Corse)
Ducati is hoping that a renewed focus on development of the troubled Desmosedici GP12 project will be a catalyst for them to make a bid to retain Valentino Rossi's services in 2013.
A series of high-powered meetings during the Portuguese GP at Estoril gave Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali positive signals following recent criticism by Rossi on Italian TV.
Domenicali is hoping that a "common direction" on technical matters will now help salvage the Rossi-Ducati nightmare and return the 9-time world champion to the front of the pack.
Rossi recently hit out at Ducati Corse technical director Filippo Preziosi, claiming he was not focusing enough attention on rider input to fix chronic issues -- understeer and aggressive power delivery -- on the outclassed GP12.
Domenicali attended the Estoril race rather than the 25th anniversary celebrations of the Superbike World Championship at Monza in Italy.
When asked about the prospect of Ducati being in a position to satisfy Rossi's competitive spirit for a new, 2013 deal, Domenicali said, "There is a strong possibility of this and a little later in the season we will sit down and talk about this with Valentino.
"We have had some long meetings (in Estoril) that have involved both Filippo and Valentino and I think there is now a common direction for the future.
"Rear traction and improved acceleration is the main focus, and this involves a range of updates to engine, electronics, and power delivery, which as part of the overall package with the chassis will also influence the understeer issue.
"There are some positives to take from this race. For the first time this season Valentino was able to use the same base set-up across the weekend and into the race and ride consistently."
While seventh place at Estoril -- 26.7s behind Casey Stoner's winning Honda -- shows that the GP12 still has long way to go Rossi said he was "optimistic" about future plans.
Rossi confirmed the Estoril meetings and he appeared much more at ease in Portugal.
He claimed improved braking and corner entry using the longer and lower set-up concept favored by teammate Nicky Hayden.
The first step of a smoother power delivery Desmosedici V4 is expected to be available for the Silverstone race in June.
A series of high-powered meetings during the Portuguese GP at Estoril gave Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali positive signals following recent criticism by Rossi on Italian TV.
Domenicali is hoping that a "common direction" on technical matters will now help salvage the Rossi-Ducati nightmare and return the 9-time world champion to the front of the pack.
Rossi recently hit out at Ducati Corse technical director Filippo Preziosi, claiming he was not focusing enough attention on rider input to fix chronic issues -- understeer and aggressive power delivery -- on the outclassed GP12.
Domenicali attended the Estoril race rather than the 25th anniversary celebrations of the Superbike World Championship at Monza in Italy.
When asked about the prospect of Ducati being in a position to satisfy Rossi's competitive spirit for a new, 2013 deal, Domenicali said, "There is a strong possibility of this and a little later in the season we will sit down and talk about this with Valentino.
"We have had some long meetings (in Estoril) that have involved both Filippo and Valentino and I think there is now a common direction for the future.
"Rear traction and improved acceleration is the main focus, and this involves a range of updates to engine, electronics, and power delivery, which as part of the overall package with the chassis will also influence the understeer issue.
"There are some positives to take from this race. For the first time this season Valentino was able to use the same base set-up across the weekend and into the race and ride consistently."
While seventh place at Estoril -- 26.7s behind Casey Stoner's winning Honda -- shows that the GP12 still has long way to go Rossi said he was "optimistic" about future plans.
Rossi confirmed the Estoril meetings and he appeared much more at ease in Portugal.
He claimed improved braking and corner entry using the longer and lower set-up concept favored by teammate Nicky Hayden.
The first step of a smoother power delivery Desmosedici V4 is expected to be available for the Silverstone race in June.
Grand Prix of The France
LATEST HEADLINES: MOTO-RACING
-
AMA MX: Villopoto Rolls At Thunder Valley
Ryan Villopoto is now four for four in 2013 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross… -
WSBK: Donington Park Superpole Ticker
Notes and quotes following Tom Sykes' 15th career Superpole triumph.… -
PHOTOS: WSBK - Donington Park Superpole
Tom Sykes claimed the 15th Superpole victory of his career today… -
WSBK: Sykes Strikes Up Fourth Straight Superpole
Kawasaki Racing Team's Tom Sykes is now tied for sixth all-time in… -
AMA SBK: '13 Schedule Finalized
The late-season 'TBA' has officially been scrubbed from the 2013… -
AMA SBK: AMA Pro Invests In Airfence
AMA Pro Racing officials announced today that the company will be… -
PHOTOS: WSBK - Donington Park QP
Local favorite Tom Sykes was quickest in mixed conditions on the… - More News
