Thursday, 02 February 2012 11:03 by Matteo Aglio

Ducati technical director Filippo Preziosi flew to Malaysia to personally witness the debut of the GP12 in the hands of his factory riders, such was the importance placed on the start of this new project.  The eyes of the world were on Valentino Rossi as he rode the new machine for the first time, but for Preziosi there were other moments of greater tension. "To be honest, I felt more emotional before leaving for the Jerez test - the Italian engineer confessed - we needed Battaini and Checa to make sure there were no major problems with reliability and functionality." The risk was that the new GP12 wouldn't have been ready for shipment to Malaysia, which is why the team also sent four examples of the GPZero used at Valencia.

Of course everything went smoothly at Jerez, and later at Sepang Rossi confirmed that the new concept works quite well. "The hardest part was understanding what idea was the right one. Our problems were clear, as was the feedback from the riders, and last year's tests pushed us in a definitive direction, but the only real confirmation comes from the riders. That is something you can't simulate on a computer.  Valentino felt the confidence with the front end that he had been missing - Preziosi confirmed - during last season we were heading in this direction, changing as much as possible, but we had certain limits holding us back. These three days have given us confirmation that our hypothesis was correct."

Of course the biggest fear was that Rossi would find the new machine felt similar to the GP11. "That would have meant we missed our goal, having modified the wrong things, but luckily it wasn't the case.  The priority now is improving the initial acceleration; we need to work on the chassis, the engine and the electronics.  Our engineers have been working on new parts since just after Christmas, when the GP12 design phase concluded.  In any case, the bike that starts the season at Qatar will be conceptually identical to this one." These first updates will be tested at Valencia with Nicky Hayden, from February 20th to 22nd, the American's health permitting.

Honda and Yamaha are still in front, and the father of the Desmosedici is staying grounded: "We already knew what their level would be.  They started with a good base from the 800's, and they have been testing their 1000's since April.  They will also improve over the next month, and I expect times in the low 1’59” range at the next Sepang test."

The new MotoGP machines have already proven to be faster than their predecessors: "And I wouldn't be surprised if they hit 350 km/h.  There is plenty of power there, and at most circuit they are using only partial throttle for 90% of the lap. At Jerez, for example, they used full horsepower for just 2" out of a 1'40" lap.  The electronics are cutting the power in the first three gears, and in fourth gear the anti-wheelie is constantly intervening to keep the front wheel down."

The situation is slightly different for the satellite teams, who will start the year with an evolved version of the GPZero. "Even the model used at this first test included various new parts, and Barbera was very happy with his bike.  The electronics are the same as those available to the factory team, and they can be modified to suit every rider.  They will get the GP12 when we are sure about the improvements compared to the previous model, and when we have evaluated the time and expense factors, especially relative to the performance advantages offered."