Monday saw the online unveiling for the Ducati Demosedici GP12 which both Valentino Rossi and Nicky Hayden will ride for the 2012 season, in a special event celebrated at the factory’s HQ in Borgo Panigale which was attended by team personnel and both riders.

Almost 100,000 fans from around the world followed the event through Facebook thanks to Ducati’s live streaming of the presentation, at which Ducati CEO Gabriele del Torchio, chief engineer Filippo Preziosi, Rossi and Hayden all spoke.

“We’re almost ready for the new season, and we’ll see how we go during this final official Test at Jerez,” said Rossi, whose machine retains his famous luminous yellow but in a more toned down manner than last season.

The new GP12 livery also incorporates a more Italian ‘feel’, with green and white stripes giving a nod to the factory’s national roots.

On a technical front, Preziosi confirmed that the new GP12 utilises the full 1000cc engine capacity permitted in 2012, and revealed other key technical characteristics of the machine which you can find out more about in the attached video presentation.

Casey Stoner joined the premier class in 2006 with the satellite Honda LCR team after working his way through the 125cc and 250cc ranks following his GP debut as a 125cc wildcard at Donington Park in 2001. His switch to Ducati in 2007 proved to be the catalyst for his potential, starting with his first MotoGP victory at round one in Qatar, followed by 9 more which ultimately gave him the Championship title. Stoner set out to defend his title in 2008 but rare mistakes and pressure from Valentino Rossi left him 2nd in the Championship. Stoner moved to factory Honda for the 2011 season, a switch that proved a resounding success. By the time Stoner clinched the 2011 title with a win at Phillip Island, he had already taken 9 victories. Stoner closed the 800cc era in Valencia with a 10th victory. 2012 will see the Australian focused on defending his title and giving Honda a consecutive rider title in the World Championship.


AUS 1

Casey Stoner

Repsol Honda Team

Bike: Honda

Southport

16/Oct/1985

Weight: 58 kg

Height: 171 cm

Valentino Rossi entered Grand Prix racing in 1996 and his natural skill and charisma quickly made him a huge fan favourite. The nine times World Champion’s remarkable career is defined by record breaking achievements, including being the only rider in history to lift all four World Championship titles: 125cc, 250cc, 500cc and MotoGP, and is the sole premier class winner on 500cc, 990cc and 800cc machinery. The Italian dominated the MotoGP four-stroke series onboard the Honda RC211V, then switched to Yamaha in 2004, making him the second rider ever to win consecutive races for different factories with his win at the opening round. His 2011 move to Ducati was marked by constant challenge as the manufacturer struggled against the Japanese competition. Rossi enters 2012 with the intent to regain his spot amongst the front-runners aboard Ducati’s newest effort, the GP12.

ITA 46

Valentino Rossi

Ducati Team

Bike: Ducati

Urbino

16/Feb/1979

Weight: 67 kg

Height: 182 cm