2013 MotoGP: Ducati Anticipates the COTA Round

Yamaha and LCR Honda were present at Honda's test, and this gives them an even bigger advantage over the Italian team. While Nicky Hayden and Ignite Pramac Racing rider Ben Spies have gotten the chance to see the COTA during the press launch of the 1199 Panigale R, the weekend race will be the first contact Andrea Dovizioso makes with the Texas track.

Here are some thoughts from Ducati factory riders prior to the race, according to Ducati News Today:

Andrea Dovizioso – Ducati Team

“I haven’t been to the Circuit of the Americas, but from the video it looks like a really big and nice track, and it also looks really difficult. Unfortunately, we didn’t test there like some of the other guys, so it will be a problem for us in the beginning. Anyway, I’m really excited for us to be riding on a new track.”

Nicky Hayden – Ducati Team

"I’ve been around it on a street bike, so I know the layout, although it will obviously be much different on a MotoGP bike. The track has a little bit of everything, and it’s definitely not easy. It’s really long, quite wide, and very technical, with some very particular corners that have open entries - often blind - and tight exits. I like a good challenge, and this track definitely offers one.”

Now, given the recent development of the Ducati GP13 bikes and the noticeable progress compared to the initial pre-season tests, we are eager to see how will the Italian bikes fare on their first contact with the COTA asphalt.

The second round of the 2013 MotoGP season will be held in Austin, TX, April 21.