Ducati Bike Tweeted By Rossi

With the teams unveiling the new machines at the testing in Sepang, Valentino Rossi took the opportunity to give his Twitter followers a somewhat exclusive first glimpse at the ‘new’ Ducati GP12.

The machine was then analysed by the fans and I have seen comparisons to the older GP11.1 that was being used in the 2011 season. As you can imagine with the larger engine the chassis will have been changed and there seems to be more vents on the front of the fairing.

Ducati Reveal New Bike

With the garages being prepared for the first of the official testing sessions this morning then the teams will have found it hard to keep the bikes under wraps for any longer. Honda had a launch at the Pan Pacific Hotel in Kuala Lumpur. Down to two factory riders, Stoner and Pedrosa, HRC will be hoping for another successful year.

Casey Stoner:
“The off season has been really good, we got to go back home and spend some time with family and friends in Australia over Christmas which was great. Then we came back to Switzerland to get everything in order for the baby’s arrival, Adriana’s due in just a few weeks and so we’ve been preparing, as best possible!

After such a strong season in 2011, we remain focused and don’t expect to be in top form immediately. I am sure Honda have done a fantastic job with the new 1000cc machine over the winter break and I’m really looking forward to getting back on the bike and seeing what we can do, hoping to start strong again. We know there will be a lot of serious competition out there, Ducati have been putting a lot of effort in as have Yamaha so it will be interesting to get out on track and see what everyone’s got. However, its early days and I think we’ll have to wait until the race in Qatar before we really know our competitor’s true pace and the package they have for 2012, but we’re ready for it.”

Ducati will be hoping for a change in fortune after their disappointing season last year. As for Yamaha, they will be coming stronger this year hoping to take Jorge or Spies back to the top of the Championship again.