Ducati coy on 2014 MotoGP open class switch
Ducati has refused to be drawn on speculation that it could radically change its strategy and run in MotoGP's new Open class from 2014

New general manager Luigi Dall'Igna indicated last month that the team's future could lie in the 'Open' regulations, saying that Ducati needed to start work "immediately".
Open class entries have to run spec ECUs and software, but in return can use an extra four litres of fuel and softer Bridgestone compounds.
They can also develop engines throughout the year, and are permitted to run 12 engines across the season.
Factory entries are only permitted to run five engines during 2014, when a new engine freeze means modifications during the season are not permitted.
Ducati is expected to make a final call on its 2014 strategy following the first major pre-season test of 2014 at Sepang, Malaysia, on 4-6 February.
Reports in Italy have suggested Ducati could conduct comparative tests between a factory spec bike and one run to Open class configurations.
Ducati, which will already run Pramac satellite man Yonny Hernandez in the secondary class, admitted it was evaluating the potential of the category but insisted nothing had been decided.
"Ducati thinks that it is important to explore the potential of the new 'Open' regulations, also because this should be the future technical direction of the MotoGP championship," the team said in a statement.
"For this reason has decided to enter one GP13 bike with Yonny Hernandez for Pramac Racing Team this year under these rules.
"Currently there are no further plans regarding the 'Open' option.
"All the other Ducati GP riders will conduct back-to-back tests comparing the GP13 and GP14 'Factory' bikes in the first Sepang test from the 4th to the 6th of February."

Previous article
The top 10 MotoGP riders of 2013
Next article
Ducati recruits Davide Tardozzi for MotoGP operation

About this article
Series | MotoGP |
Teams | Ducati Team , AB Motoracing |
Ducati coy on 2014 MotoGP open class switch
Trending
Marc Marquez is back
MotoGP Starting Grid: Portugal Grand Prix
MotoGP Starting Grid: Doha Grand Prix
Marc Márquez's first ride after his injury
Marc Marquez continues his recovery
How Yamaha’s rookie-spec MotoGP star is taking charge
Fabio Quartararo is on a roll in 2021, having stormed to victory at a venue where he last year served up one of his worst races. Contrasting Portuguese GPs for Yamaha’s factory duo make it hard to understand just how good its 2021 MotoGP bike is, but the Portimao weekend has revealed one key improvement compared to 2020
The hurdles Marquez faces next in his Portugal MotoGP return
Even by Marc Marquez’s own high standards, his MotoGP comeback on Friday at the Portuguese Grand Prix will be considered a success even if he didn’t top the times. But having shown competitive pace on his first day back, both Marquez and his rivals know plenty more challenges are to come
Where does Honda's new MotoGP signing sit ahead of its king's return?
Pol Espargaro’s first results as a Honda MotoGP rider may not appear special. But dig a little deeper and a clearer picture of his performance emerges. And, as Lewis Duncan writes, it’s cause for celebration at Honda with the return of Marc Marquez set to provide Espargaro with the reference he has been missing so far this year
The "pit bull" MotoGP rookie already drawing legendary comparisons
MotoGP’s 2021 rookie crop is one of the strongest in recent years, but one is already standing out. Jorge Martin’s Doha GP heroics have courted many to compare him to numerous MotoGP legends. Autosport spoke to Pramac boss Francesco Guidotti to find out why MotoGP’s latest Spanish star is already making such an impact
Why MotoGP's stewards must revisit Miller and Mir's Losail clash
Despite Suzuki’s decision not to appeal against Race Direction’s refusal to penalise Jack Miller following the incident with Joan Mir in Losail, something must be done to avoid a repeat of such an incident, which could have easily ended in tragedy
Has Yamaha banished its demons with its 2021 MotoGP bike?
Against the expected run of play at Qatar's Losail circuit, both Yamaha riders Maverick Vinales and Fabio Quartararo carved through a resolute Ducati defence to secure back-to-back MotoGP wins for the Japanese marque. After a difficult 2020, it appears that Yamaha has swaggered back into championship contention
Why MotoGP’s top gun looks more dangerous at the Doha GP
Lightning hasn't struck twice for Maverick Vinales since 2017 and his wayward form of recent years makes predicting how he'll fare each MotoGP race weekend tricky. But fresh from his Qatar GP win, Vinales looks like an even more dangerous prospect for the Doha GP following an intriguing Friday practice
Why MotoGP’s new Amazon series is long overdue
OPINION: MotoGP is getting its own version of Drive to Survive on Amazon Prime at some point in the near future. It was news welcomed by the grid’s leading riders. And following the impact DTS has had on Formula 1, MotoGP desperately needs the same boost.