After three Grands Prix in this 2021 season, we can envisage a less complicated year for Ducati than the previous one. The recurring problem encountered with the Michelin front tire seems to have disappeared with the manufacturer's new allocation which confirms the good work accomplished on the GP21. However, perfection is never in the world of MotoGP and what is won on one side opens up food for thought in another area. For Ducati, it is that of consumption which is now relevant. The brand's sports director explains his consideration.
The GP21 has already proven what it is capable of at the end of the straight of the Losail track. A portion of a little more than 1km that it swallowed at the stratospheric speed of 362,3 km/h with Johann zarco above. But this level of performance also comes at a price, because the cavalry of the 4 cm1 V000 Desmo of almost 300 horses can only feed in a reservoir of 22 liters. A balance between power and frugality that must be found and constantly adapted to the configuration of the route.
« On some circuits you must ensure you can reach the finish line with the full fuel provided »Comments Ciabatta. " Thus, in the second half of the race on fuel-consuming tracks, drivers must manage their consumption and switch to a more economical mode by adapting the engine map. Sometimes it also depends on external conditions. For example, if you have a headwind on the straight, consumption increases. This was the case in Doha, for example, during the first race. Then the situation changes ».
The Italian adds: “ It's not a secret : on some circuits, fuel consumption is a cause for concern, but not only for us. This is why a trade-off must be made between engine performance and fuel consumption in such races ».
Ducati does not have special engines for qualifying
Ciabatta also emphasizes: “ we do not have our own engine specifications for qualifying. The equipment we use for testing and qualifying is also used during races ". However, electronic adjustments provide some leeway: “ Ducati has three different maps. They don't have special names. They are marked with letters or numbers on the dashboard ", explain Francesco Guidotti, manager of the Pramac Ducati team.
Still, it is up to the competition to recognize that the exclusive desmodromic valve control of Ducati is relatively fuel efficient, even at high engine speeds: “ yes, I can confirm that desmodromic is a very effective and efficient system ", said Ciabatta in an interview given to speedweek. " It works very well. But in certain conditions you still need to pay attention to fuel supply ". We will still remember that the first three Grands Prix of this year which took place at Losail, twice, and at Portimao, were won by the Yamaha official.
