Ducati now limited to 22 litres of fuel

Ducati’s strong start to 201t has seen the Italian manufacturer lose the first of their Factory Option concessions with the red machines now limited to 22 litres of fuel via the regulations. The factory Yamaha and Honda bikes race with 20 litres of fuel.

Originally Ducati was able to avail of 24 litres of fuel but three dry weather podiums since the beginning of last year has now seen them lose two litres of fuel. However, it’s key to remember that Ducati have not been using 24 litres of fuel, even at circuits like Motegi that are the most marginal on the calendar.

The concessions were originally designed to ensure that manufacturers were not allowed to switch to the Open class and give an incentive for manufacturers to develop their software strategies with the  standard ECU. Ducati’s decision however to join the Factory Option class hinged on the guarantee of unrestricted testing and being able to develop their engine in the season.

with Dovizioso and Iannone having finished second and third in Qatar, and Iannone finishing on Rossi’s tail, Ducati’s decision to avail of the concessions and development has been completely vindicated. Last year the team were able to set fast times in qualifying because they could use the softer Open class tyre but Qatar has proved how competitive they are now

Dovizioso’s pole position came when he was using the softer Open class tyre his race pace shows that even if Ducati lose that concession they will still have a strong season and will be regularly contenders at the front.