-
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: Hayden Passes On New Spec Motor
American Nicky Hayden is hopeful that an upgraded electronics package will help increase the pace of his Ducati Desmosedici GP12.
Ducati Team's Nicky Hayden (Photo: Ducati Corse)
PROGRAMMING NOTE: Round 5 of the MotoGP World Championship from Catalunya, Spain will air LIVE on SPEED on Sunday, June 3rd at 8:00am ET. Qualifying will air LIVE all season long on SPEED2. #SPEEDmoto
Nicky Hayden will use an upgraded electronics package that helps smooth the aggressive power delivery of the Ducati GP12 in Sunday's Catalunya Grand Prix.
But he has played down hopes that a new engine specification is an instant answer to some of Ducati's problems. Hayden has also put aside plans to switch to the latest spec swingarm that, along with the engine, was introduced at last week's crucial private test session at Mugello in Italy.
Hayden confirmed the inescapable trend in MotoGP that sophisticated engine management computer programs, not revised internals, are crucial to performance.
"There is a lot to be gained from electronics," Hayden said. "Two of the electronics items we tried at the Mugello test should make the engine a little smoother on the bottom.
"The easier power delivery also helps the turning because at the first touch of the throttle the bike was more smooth and helped finish the corner rather than push wide."
Apart from Valentino Rossi's impressive second-place finish in last week's wet weather French GP at Le Mans Ducati have struggled with aggressive power delivery and chronic understeer with their Desmosedici V4 bike. But both Rossi and his experienced crew chief, Jerry Burgess, have admitted they do not understand the exact reason why the Ducati is a better performer in wet conditions compared to dry. "It's part of the puzzle," Burgess said.
Hayden feels the revised engine specification is not at a stage where it delivers a benefit in terms of lap time -- hence his preference for an electronic solution.
The American did not like the new spec motor at the Mugello test, nor the latest swingarm, which he said induced too much chatter in the GP12.
The new engine is scheduled to be made available from the next race, the British GP at Silverstone, but Hayden has elected to stick with his current engine spec pending further development. The latest electronics and a change to front geometry will be on Hayden's bike in Barcelona this weekend.
Nicky Hayden will use an upgraded electronics package that helps smooth the aggressive power delivery of the Ducati GP12 in Sunday's Catalunya Grand Prix.
But he has played down hopes that a new engine specification is an instant answer to some of Ducati's problems. Hayden has also put aside plans to switch to the latest spec swingarm that, along with the engine, was introduced at last week's crucial private test session at Mugello in Italy.
Hayden confirmed the inescapable trend in MotoGP that sophisticated engine management computer programs, not revised internals, are crucial to performance.
"There is a lot to be gained from electronics," Hayden said. "Two of the electronics items we tried at the Mugello test should make the engine a little smoother on the bottom.
"The easier power delivery also helps the turning because at the first touch of the throttle the bike was more smooth and helped finish the corner rather than push wide."
Apart from Valentino Rossi's impressive second-place finish in last week's wet weather French GP at Le Mans Ducati have struggled with aggressive power delivery and chronic understeer with their Desmosedici V4 bike. But both Rossi and his experienced crew chief, Jerry Burgess, have admitted they do not understand the exact reason why the Ducati is a better performer in wet conditions compared to dry. "It's part of the puzzle," Burgess said.
Hayden feels the revised engine specification is not at a stage where it delivers a benefit in terms of lap time -- hence his preference for an electronic solution.
The American did not like the new spec motor at the Mugello test, nor the latest swingarm, which he said induced too much chatter in the GP12.
The new engine is scheduled to be made available from the next race, the British GP at Silverstone, but Hayden has elected to stick with his current engine spec pending further development. The latest electronics and a change to front geometry will be on Hayden's bike in Barcelona this weekend.
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
