06 Desmosedici unveiled

Ducati’s 2006 MotoGP bike, the Desmosedici GP06, has been launched at Madonna di Campiglio in Italy.

It will be ridden by Sete Gibernau and Loris Capirossi in the MotoGP, both of whom were present at the special press event.

The bike features a liquid-cooled 90 degree V4 four-stroke desmodromic 989cc motor which puts out in excess of 235hp. The six-speed gearbox features a slipper clitch, while Magneti Marelli supply the ignition and electronic injection. Termignoni exhausts, Ohlins suspension and Brembo brakes are all going to be carried on the Bridgestone tyres, and it has a claimed dry weight of 148kg.

Dreaming about your next bike?

>>For inspiration: MCN Bike reviews<<

>>Search our quality bikes for sale<<

Ducati Corse Managing Director Claudio Domenicali outlined the major changes.

“The GP06 represents an evolution of the GP05; apparently it doesn’t present any marked differences with its predessor, but it is in fact an important step forward. The bike is lighter but have done a lot of work on its stiffness (with the frame, rims and front forks), especially at the rear of the bike. The composite structure that we call the seat support has been totally redesigned and stiffness has been increased by more than 80 per cent.”

“The bike’s ergonomics have undergone a notable evolution with the fuel tank modified in line with requests from the riders. We have also focussed on the bike’s ‘driveability’, and we have a whole new range of instruments and technologies that will allow the race engineers to package the power behaviour and delivery of the engine according to the riders and the conditions of the track. We have also worked on engine power, to increase power as well as reduce fuel consumption, by working on engine friction.”

Loris Capirossi was also positive about the new bike, and a new team-mate in the shape of Sete Gibernau.

“I have seen the birth of this project, and I consider it an honour to still be in the team. For 2006 we have an extremely efficient package with great potential. We’ve still got some way to go obviously and our championship begins at the forthcoming tests in Malaysia.”

“Sete is a great rider, I get on well with him. We both have the same aim – to have a bike that allows us to fight for the win.”

Click hear to listen to the Desmosedici GP06. Clip One: (External site)

Click hear to listen to the Desmosedici GP06. Clip Two: (External site).

Click here to listen to the Desmosedici GP06. Clip Three (External Site).

The team will start testing at the Sepang circuit on January 23-25, 2006, immediately followed by a further three-day test at Phillip Island from January 30-February 2, 2006.