Skip to main content

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Autosport Plus

Discover premium content
Subscribe

Recommended for you

The data behind Russell’s engine software issue that caused his Hungarian GP slow start

Formula 1
Hungarian GP
The data behind Russell’s engine software issue that caused his Hungarian GP slow start

United Formula Ford battles add European flavour to USA Snetterton 300 event

National
United Formula Ford battles add European flavour to USA Snetterton 300 event

Red Bull appoints Lagrue as junior driver chief after Mercedes F1 exit

Formula 1
Hungarian GP
Red Bull appoints Lagrue as junior driver chief after Mercedes F1 exit

Dome-led group launches bid to build next Super Formula car

Super Formula
Dome-led group launches bid to build next Super Formula car

Mini masters put on another entertaining show at Thruxton

National
Mini masters put on another entertaining show at Thruxton

How Sutton scorched rivals to extend BTCC lead at Thruxton

Feature
BTCC
Thruxton
How Sutton scorched rivals to extend BTCC lead at Thruxton

Norris: I was better than Piastri in every sense in battle for Hungarian GP victory

Formula 1
Hungarian GP
Norris: I was better than Piastri in every sense in battle for Hungarian GP victory

Ogier to reunite with WRC champion co-driver for Rally Finland

WRC
Rally Finland
Ogier to reunite with WRC champion co-driver for Rally Finland

Ducati's Gigi Dall'Igna relaxed about 2015 MotoGP bike's late debut

Ducati MotoGP project boss Gigi Dall'Igna insists he is not concerned about the team's 2015 bike hitting the track much later than those of its rivals

While Honda and Yamaha have already begun on-track testing with their 2015 machines, the new Ducati will not make its debut until next February's Sepang test.

Asked if he thought that might be too late to be competitive next season, Dall'Igna replied: "Maybe, but I don't want to have to do the job twice.

"I prefer to collect all the information we need first, and then start the season late but with the right machine."

He believes there is little Ducati can do to cure its fundamental understeer issues with its existing bike, so a completely fresh start for 2015 is the only option.

"It's difficult to say what we need to do to solve the problem," Dall'Igna admitted.

"We have tried different set-ups since the beginning of the season and we have other ideas in mind.

"But it's really difficult to solve; we are trying to reduce it step by step and increase corner speed.

"The new bike will be a different concept so we hope this can reduce the problem."

Ducati controversially switched to MotoGP's new control electronics-based Open class for 2014, allowing it to develop its engine and use 12 units through the season rather than the five that Factory runners are restricted to.

Dall'Igna said that with this year being a development season, he was willing to go beyond the Open engine limit if needed and take penalties.

"Most is important is to develop the bike, so we have to take some risks, even if it means [Andrea] Iannone starting from the pitlane," he said.

Previous article Marc Marquez tops post-race MotoGP test at Brno
Next article Cal Crutchlow says Ducati MotoGP bike too hard to adapt to

Top Comments