Photo: Ducati
With Dovizioso's podium in 2014, the recent second and third positions in the Qatar race add up to three, a number which represents the end of the first Open Class privilege Ducati has been enjoying since the beginning of 2014.
As we mentioned on multiple occasions in the past, Ducati fields a "Factory 2" MotoGP entry , with the status of a full factory team and several privileges reserved for the Open class outfits. These include extra fuel, the possibility of choosing the extra soft tire for racing, unlimited testing, 12 engines per season, and no engine freeze.
However, Dorna will start cutting these privileges when Ducati (or factory teams in their first year on the grid) start winning in dry races. Sure, Ducati has had more podiums, but since they were in wet or flagged races, they do not count towards these limits.
After seeing the Desmosedici GP15 in action at the Losail International Circuit during both final test and the race, the biggest question is whether Ducati will be affected by the fuel cut.
According to team officials, Ducati has not used more than 22 liters in the Qatar race, or in any race in 2014. If this turns out to be true, then the rest of the guys at the top of the time sheets may have a problem.
This means that the Ducati bikes are already significantly more competitive than previously and WILL battle for race wins. We saw that their straight line speed is astonishing, and they will smoke both Yamaha and Honda machinery. At the same time, it looks like corner entry and brakes work much better, too... and the development in real racing conditions has just begun.
The next privilege Ducati could lose is the extra soft tire, but Borgo Panigale needs three dry wins for this to happen. We're eager to see what will happen in the next round at the Circuit of the Americas.
We reported on Dani Pedrosa's right arm issues after he declared that his condition got worse during the kick-off round in Qatar. In an interview after the race, Pedrosa revealed that he had been struggling with arm pump for a year or so.
His previous surgery did not fix the issue, and doctors were reserved to recommend another intervention because of the risks.
Honda knew about the problem all the time, and it looks like having their rider going under the knife as soon as possible was the best scenario. Pedrosa's surgery is planned for tomorrow morning (Friday April 3rd) and the doctors say that his recovery is expected to take four to six weeks.
This means he will miss both the US and the Argentinian rounds, but his return will only be confirmed when the doctors' evaluation will ascertain the success of the surgery.
For the US round, Pedrosa will be substituted for by official HRC test rider Hiroshi Aoyama, and not Casey Stoner as rumors had it. Still, we might still get a chance to see Stoner race, with Pedrosa unable to ride in Argentina.
However, Dorna will start cutting these privileges when Ducati (or factory teams in their first year on the grid) start winning in dry races. Sure, Ducati has had more podiums, but since they were in wet or flagged races, they do not count towards these limits.
Three dry podiums means losing 2 liters of fuel
With three podiums in dry races, Ducati can no longer load 24 liters of fuel in the tanks of their bikes. The "penalty" is 2 liters, which still offers a two-liter advantage over Yamaha and Honda, who can only carry 20 liters in a race.After seeing the Desmosedici GP15 in action at the Losail International Circuit during both final test and the race, the biggest question is whether Ducati will be affected by the fuel cut.
According to team officials, Ducati has not used more than 22 liters in the Qatar race, or in any race in 2014. If this turns out to be true, then the rest of the guys at the top of the time sheets may have a problem.
This means that the Ducati bikes are already significantly more competitive than previously and WILL battle for race wins. We saw that their straight line speed is astonishing, and they will smoke both Yamaha and Honda machinery. At the same time, it looks like corner entry and brakes work much better, too... and the development in real racing conditions has just begun.
The next privilege Ducati could lose is the extra soft tire, but Borgo Panigale needs three dry wins for this to happen. We're eager to see what will happen in the next round at the Circuit of the Americas.
Dani Pedrosa confirms surgery to fix right arm pump problems
Long-time Repsol Honda rider Dani Pedrosa confirms that he will undergo new surgery to fix the arm pump issued in his right forearm.We reported on Dani Pedrosa's right arm issues after he declared that his condition got worse during the kick-off round in Qatar. In an interview after the race, Pedrosa revealed that he had been struggling with arm pump for a year or so.
His previous surgery did not fix the issue, and doctors were reserved to recommend another intervention because of the risks.
Honda knew about the problem all the time, and it looks like having their rider going under the knife as soon as possible was the best scenario. Pedrosa's surgery is planned for tomorrow morning (Friday April 3rd) and the doctors say that his recovery is expected to take four to six weeks.
This means he will miss both the US and the Argentinian rounds, but his return will only be confirmed when the doctors' evaluation will ascertain the success of the surgery.
For the US round, Pedrosa will be substituted for by official HRC test rider Hiroshi Aoyama, and not Casey Stoner as rumors had it. Still, we might still get a chance to see Stoner race, with Pedrosa unable to ride in Argentina.
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