Ducati to race new frame at Misano MotoGP round

The team first tried the update in the July Mugello test, but is now ready to race it after developing it further during two days of private running with Valentino Rossi at Misano - the venue for the next MotoGP round - this week.

"We carried out a series of tests with the chassis, and the results were interesting, though they still have to be checked against the other riders," Rossi said.

Technical director Filippo Preziosi said Rossi had convinced Ducati the package was worth taking to the race weekend.

"Based on the feedback he provided, we'll bring a new frame and a new swingarm to the next race," said Preziosi.

"In the meantime, the Corse department will continue working according to the development plan that was established following the June test at Aragon.

"Over the remainder of the season, the test team and the factory riders will have the opportunity to try further chassis evolutions, which are currently being produced."

Rossi said Ducati also worked on producing more consistent race pace with the Demosedici.

"We also worked on the bike's set-up, with the goal of trying to limit the drop in performance that we usually suffer after some laps, as the tyres wear," he said.

"We had some promising signs there as well, and we'll check them again in a race context."