Ducati's 2008 MotoGP weapon - the Desmosedici GP8 - unveiled. Feb 08

Casey Stoner and Marco Melandri unveil the new Desmosedici GP8 at the 2008 Ducati MotoGP team launch in the Italian Alps. Ducati choose 'Wrooom' - the MotoGP Press Ski Meeting on the frozen lake in Madonna di Campiglio to unveil its new Desmosedici GP8.
Casey Stoner and his new team mate, Marco Melandri, wearing the official Ducati MotoGP Team gear for the first time ceremoniously broke an ice sculpture to reveal the new bike in its 2008 livery."This is such a wonderful event," said Casey Stoner. "I'm happy to be here although it meant celebrating my first wedding anniversary on a flight from Australia!" Claudio Domenicali, Ducati Corse CEO and Ducati Motor Holding Product Director, revealed the technical details of the new bike. "Our 2008 bike is an evolution of the 2007 model, how could we have done otherwise? There was so very little wrong with that bike," said Domenicali."We worked on all areas. In terms of chassis set-up, the new frame is lighter with optimised torsional and flexural rigidity to solve the rather minimal "chattering" that we experienced on a few occasions last year. The rear suspension geometry is also different to reduce the 'pumping' effect observed in certain tracks and in special conditions. As for the engine, we worked on two areas. First of all, performance. We introduced a number of modifications to minimise frictionand obtain a small power increase without affecting fuel consumption. Secondly, we worked on rideability, in other words, engine response proportional to the rider's torque requirements. We tackled this aspect to obtain a 'fuller' engine response especially mid-range and maintain peak power for longer.Finally, with regards to electronics, we modified a few sensors and actuator details to increase reliability and consequently, safety. One of the main reasons of our presence in racing is to develop technology to be transferred to production bikes, improving safety and making them even more fun to ride. Electronics play an important role in all this. An example of this is our new 1098 R, which is equipped with exactly the same traction control system used in Ducati racing bikes, making it the first bike in the world to feature a system able to combine safety with high performance."

DUCATI DESMOSEDICI GP8
Technical Specifications
Engine: liquid-cooled, 90 degree V4 four-stroke, desmodromic DOHC, four valves per cylinder.
Capacity: 799cc
Maximum power: more than 200hp
Maximum speed: in excess of 310 kph/192 mph
Transmission: Six-speed cassette-type gearbox, with alternative gear ratios available. Dry multiplate slipper clutch. Chain final drive.
Carburation: Indirect Magneti Marelli electronic injection, four throttle bodies with injectors above butterfly valves. Throttles operated by EVO TCF (Throttle Control & Feedback) system.
Fuel: Shell Racing V-Power
Lubricant: Shell Advance Ultra 4Ignition: Magneti Marelli
Exhaust: Termignoni
Frame: Tubular steel trellis-style chassis, pressed aluminium swing-arm.
Suspension: Olins upside-down 42mm front forks and Olins rear shock absorber, adjustable for preload, compression and rebound damping.
Tyres: Bridgestone 16.5" front and rear
Brakes: Brembo, two 320mm carbon front discs with four-piston callipers. Single stainless steel rear disc with two-piston callipers.
Dry weight: 148kg