The Director of Ducati Corse, Gigi Dall'Igna, continues to closely follow the evolution of F1 technologies in areas as varied as aerodynamics for the generation of forces provided by the circulation of air flows, mass dampers and computer-assisted models for calculating tire wear and behavior.
During the Sepang MotoGP test (January 28 to 30), some Ducati GP18s were equipped with a new device from F1. Behind the fairing, just in front of the upper triple clamp of the fork, was mounted a set of pressure sensors and transmitters. These sensors make it possible to quantify the forces generated by the fairing and its appendages.
It was then that, as Rolf Lüthi explains in Speedweek, “ The air pressure inside the fairing is measured relative to the ambient air pressure. If you create a pressure drop there, you get a partial vacuum behind it. Therefore, the moving motorcycle experiences a downforce. In the case of the motorcycle with its fairing, the front wheel load increases mainly in the front part, which results in greater stability at high speeds and better grip of the front wheel. »
As a result, it may be possible to use a more maneuverable chassis geometry, which provides advantages in cornering, offsetting the disadvantages experienced in the faster sections.
Once again, Ducati shows itself at the forefront of aerodynamics and seems to want to give an extra boost to aim for the World Championship and make the Desmosedici GP18 more efficient when turning.
This pressure transmitter has no benefit in itself, but allows objective readings of a targeted search aimed at generating downforce. This way it will be possible to make the small progress necessary for the changes to the frame that we will probably already see in Thailand during next week's test from February 14 to 16. Apparently, Ducati is ready to surprise once again.
Note that according to our photo below, this system has already been tested during the Grand Prix weekend in Valencia…
Sources: speedweek , Tutomotoriweb.com,
