'S'no joke' as Ducati reveals Desmosedici GP6.

Ducati's annual Wrooom media event continued on Wednesday with the unveiling of the Desmosedici GP6 at the finish-line of the legendary '3-Tre' ski course at Madonna di Campiglio.

The new-for-2006 line-up of Loris Capirossi and Sete Gibernau pulled the covers off the machine that they will be campaigning this season, which features several key technical changes over its predecessor.

"Racing in MotoGP allows us to operate with machines that are pure prototypes, developing technology that will subsequently be transferred to our production bikes," explained Ducati Corse MD Claudio Domenicali, "Ducati has always borrowed concepts and innovations from the racing world, and we transfer the possible benefits to our entire production range.

"The Desmosedici GP6 represents an evolution of the GP5. From the outside, it doesn't appear to present any marked differences from its predecessor, but it is, in fact, an important step forward. The bike is lighter, but we have also done a lot of work on its stiffness - with the frame, rims and front forks - and, especially, at the rear of the bike. The composite structure that we call the seat support has been totally redesigned and stiffness has been increased by more than 80 per cent.

"The bike's ergonomics have undergone a notable evolution, with the fuel tank modified in line with requests from the riders. We have also focused on the bike's 'driveability' and, in this area, we have made available a whole new range of instruments and technologies that will allow the race engineers to package the power behaviour and delivery of the engine according to the requests of the riders and the conditions of the track.

"We have also worked on engine power, modifying the internal fluid dynamics. As a result, we have a different thermodynamic layout. We have attempted to increase power as well as reduce fuel consumption, an area to which we have dedicated a lot of attention, by working maniacally on engine friction. One point of which we are particularly proud is the reliability of the bike. In 2005, we took part in 17 races with two riders, without ever having a problem, and we have also maintained this line for the next season."

Domenicali was also quick to pay tribute to Ducati's partners, and latest signing Gibernau.

"The evolution of the bike has obviously involved our partner, Bridgestone," he pointed out, "Even though we know that we still have some work to do on certain kinds of track, we also know that we are on the right road and the results of the last few races of last season confirmed this improvement. Our aim now is to be competitive at every circuit.

"The 2006 team is a very strong one on the rider front. Loris is a confirmation for us and, as soon as the bike-tyre package allows, he makes no mistakes and brings home great results. We also extend a warm welcome to Sete Gibernau, whose joining us is a clear demonstration of the importance that is given in our team to the role of the riders. Sete is a great rider, and he and Loris together make up a great team."