Ducati makes progress on aerodynamics during the Jerez tests: "This is the area where the bike can still improve."

While the European tour, the traditional deciding factor of the season, MotoGPAs the season has just begun, Ducati has pulled out all the stops to counter Aprilia's RS-GP during the first official tests of the year. The Borgo Panigale-based manufacturer took advantage of the official Jerez test, held the day after the Spanish Grand Prix at the Jerez-Ángel Nieto circuit, to accelerate the development, particularly aerodynamics, of its Desmosedici. However, this didn't prevent Aprilia from monopolizing the top three positions in the tests.

Despite Álex Márquez's (Gresini) victory, which ended Aprilia's winning streak on the GP26, there's no time for complacency among the Reds. Conversely, Ducati aims to reclaim the front-row positions it had dominated for several seasons.

To achieve this, Marc Márquez debuted a wider fairing, revised winglets, and a new swingarm. Meanwhile, Pecco Bagnaia explored a setup closer to the one seen during preseason testing at Sepang.

« We focused primarily on the aerodynamic aspect, as this is the area where the motorcycle can still improve. explained Davide Tardozzi, Ducati boss, to the official MotoGP channel. We've identified some interesting points. Marc is happy with this new setup, while Pecco still has some questions, but I'm sure we'll eventually find a solution that suits him perfectly. »

At Ducati, the two riders have different expectations. Bagnaia is primarily focused on improving braking, an area that has become his Achilles' heel since the GP25, and corner entry, while Márquez is concentrating more on cornering speed, where he has to compensate for a riding position still hampered by the aftereffects of his injuries. Ducati is therefore trying to reconcile these needs to optimize the overall package.

Ducati takes a step forward

Initial feedback is encouraging, according to number 93, who finished fourth in the trials. It's a work in progress, but it's true that we're making progress. I felt more confident with the front end, especially in left-hand corners, which are usually one of my strengths, but which I struggled with in the first few races. We've also improved in right-hand corners. »

A positive assessment, but one that should be qualified because " During a test day, the track is heavily loaded with rubber following the race, and the sensations, especially in the afternoon, all seem positive thanks to the grip. "The native of Cervera tempers his remarks.

On the other side of the garage, the tests also proved successful for Francesco Bagnaia, who finished tenth in the trials. The new aerodynamic features are working well. It's true we need more time to analyze everything, but I'm convinced we've taken another step forward. I think we're still missing that little something in the fast corners.However, he adds a caveat. We also worked extensively on the issues we encountered during the race weekend to improve our feel for the front end and better control of the bike. I'm pleased with these improvements and hope to confirm them at Le Mans. "Ducati will also have the opportunity to confirm these advances in the next tests, scheduled for the Barcelona-Catalunya circuit.

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