MotoGP World Exclusive: Ducati roll out 2009 prototype

This is the first world exclusive look at Ducati’s new 2009 prototype MotoGP motorcycle, which has just broken cover in Catalunya.

Tested behind closed doors in Mugello and Estoril since the beginning of March, the first version of what will form Ducati’s Desmosedici GP9 contender is using a carbon fibre frame.

This is a radical departure for Ducati who have always used a steel tube chassis, and test rider Vittoriano Guareschi has so far ridden the bike in early testing.

Reigning world champion Casey Stoner has been out on the bike this afternoonand given expectant engineers his first impressions of the bike.

The bike got its public debut in front of senior designer Filippo Preziosi.

Although it looks similar to the current GP8 machine being campaigned in MotoGP, a closer look shows the bike has no steel chassis attached to the rear cylinder head and there is no steel tube partially blocking the radiator exhaust scoop.

Although the bike has only been seen fully faired, it is clear that Bologna engineers have radically revamped the Desmosedici for 2009.