On a cold day in the Italian Alps a new two-wheeled rocket was unveiled by
Ducati. Hidden in an ice sculpture, Casey Stoner and his new teammate Marco
Melandri quickly chiseled away to expose the Desmosedici GP8 to the world.
The reigning MotoGP Manufacturer Champions are eager to continue their
winning ways for the 2008 season. The new bike is the manifestation of their
drive for excellence.
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Marco Melandri and Casey Stoner pose with the Ducati Desmosedici GP8. Photo by Ducati Corse.
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Ducati made its return to MotoGP in 2003 and quickly established itself as a
clear threat to the Japanese manufacturers. Four years later the Ducati's
speed with Stoner's talent proved to be an unstoppable combination. Backed
by Shell and Bridgestone the Australian claimed ten race wins and fourteen
podiums total.
He clinched the Drivers' Championship in Japan and went on to win at his
home event and Malaysia before the season ended.
Stoner's confidence for the new season was noticeable during the press
conference after the unveiling, "I'm happy to begin a new season with the
same bike and the same team, it's a first for me since I started to race.
The feeling is just perfect with everyone at Ducati: Claudio, Filippo, Livio
and all of my team, I wouldn't change a thing. As for my bike, I haven't
suggested any big changes either, because we already had such a competitive
package. We are only going to work on a few details. Winning a World
Championship has taken a big weight off my shoulders: all my parents'
sacrifices, all the hard times in the past, it's all behind me now. This
year, I'll continue to work in order to try and repeat my performance of
last year and be even stronger and faster, but I'll be able to do that in a
very different spirit."
Joining him for 2008 is five-time race winner Melandri. After riding for
Gresini since 2004 the Italian rider made the move to the Italian factory
team. Donning the familiar red livery for the first time the 25 year-old is
ready to live out a child-hood dream.
"I feel great in red!" He exclaimed. "I'm so happy to have become part of
the Ducati family. I'd dreamt of riding a Ducati ever since I first saw one.
When I tried on my new leathers yesterday, I felt quite emotional. I'm aware
of the big opportunity I have been given this year. It's not going to be
easy, but it will be exciting and I'm ready to commit entirely to reward all
those who wanted me to be here. I'm really impressed with how people work at
Ducati. Although they've already achieved the greatest goal, winning the
World Championship, they have continued to work relentlessly. After my first
tests, I gave feed-back to the engineers so that my bike could be adjusted
to match my requirements and now, I can't wait to hit the track again to
train for this season. As soon as we manage to fine-tune the bike we'll be
very competitive."
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The new Ducati Desmosedici GP8. Photo by Ducati Corse.
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The team's relentless effort included going over last year's GP7 with a fine
toothed comb. The new bike was designed as a direct response to any
undesirable characteristics seen last year. A lighter and more rigid frame
will bring an end to any chattering the GP7 might have had. The rear
suspension was changed for more stability and power around the track.
The solid Ducati engine also saw some improvement, most notably mid-range
torque and more overall power. In 2007 Ducati was thought to have at least
20 hp over the rest of the field. The bike was clearly the fastest in a
straight line and Ducati hopes to keep that advantage for this year.
Bodywork and electronics were improved for the new season as well.
The strength of Ducati hasn't gone unnoticed. Phillip Morris and Shell have
pledged their support to the factory team to at least 2011. Enel, the
largest Italian power company will enter into motorsports partnered with
Ducati under an initial two-year agreement. Not only will Enel have a spot on the bike and
riders' leathers but the
energy maker will also be more than happy to give the team all the power
they need as Ducati defends its claim as the best bike in MotoGP.
