The Ducati team has been doing a lot of testing on the GP12, and some of that work will be put to good use this weekend. Rossi will be riding his GP11 at Assen, but he’ll also have a few upgrades to his bike from the GP12.
The Ducati team is saying that Rossi will be using the GP11.1 this weekend. Rossi will be using the GP12 chassis and a new gearbox (called the DST, or Ducati Seamless Transmission).
“Assen is one of my tracks,” Rossi said. “One of those that I like most and where I’ve had some nice races in all the classes.
“We’ll try to take advantage of that good feeling and of our experience at this circuit because Thursday morning we’ll debut some updates to my bike that are very promising but also very fresh."
Nicky Hayden will get his chance to test out the new GP11.1 at Laguna Seca.
“I have some good memories (at Assen), including a win,” Hayden said. “The track has changed over the years, but I like the new section.
“We’ve had a big gap to the front lately, but now we have another new step with the chassis. The first step helped with the feeling, and hopefully this one will also help with the lap time. It’s clear that Ducati is working hard, and that’s motivating for me, for the team, and for all of our Ducati supporters. I look forward to getting my hands on a GP11.1 as soon as possible as well.”
