It has been two years since the MotoGP paddock last visited the Sachsenring and in those two years each factory has taken a huge step forward. The Italian motorcycles showed their progress on a German track which is not favorable to them, but also still their limits.
The German Grand Prix at the Sachsenring was probably a far more revealing race than any other regarding the step forward that many V4s have made in terms of cornering stability.
Ducati looked pretty strong all weekend, with Jack Miller and Pecco Bagnaia showing on Friday that they had good times on long runs, despite Pecco Bagnaia being very late on Friday. But this was due to the Italian not using new tires at the end of the session.
Ducati has improved the cornering stability of its GP21 through a number of things, notably the chassis. Adjustments and small developments made to the Desmosedici frame have allowed it to gradually improve its cornering capabilities over the last few seasons. Another factor is also their engine, with Ducati working tirelessly to make the most powerful engine on the grid smoother and smoother under acceleration.
There are also many other factors, such as improvements to the Salad Box, the part of the bike that houses a mass shock absorber, but also changes regarding riders who have to adapt and understand the riding style that the Ducati needs to help it turn.
But, the most curious factor of all is undoubtedly the new aerodynamic ducts that Ducati is using this season. The main theory surrounding them seems to be that they are exploring the capabilities of ground effect for motorcycles. Ducati's increase in cornering stability this year could be attributed mainly to this aerodynamic work.
You can see the ducts at the bottom of the side fairing here. They help direct the airflow downward, directing it towards the ground and under the motorcycle. This seems counterintuitive, when every other aerodynamic element in MotoGP is designed to push air upwards, creating lower pressure under the surface of the wing to create downforce. These Ducati ducts appear to be designed for a different function, and to bring the air pressure to a higher value under the fairing.
With higher air pressure under the Ducati, the air reaching the "spoon" is denser, allowing the spoon to have a greater effect. The denser air will also help the rear wheel covers do their job. Indeed, rumors in the paddock state that they are not only present to smooth the airflow around the rear wheel, but also to create some downforce at high lean angles to help the GP21 to have aerodynamic downforce on the angle.
The Ducati's aerodynamic package is very confusing but also relatively well-researched, and it seems to work as intended. Although Ducati did not have its best days in Germany, largely due to rear grip issues late in the race, the GP21 was not ridiculous at the Sachsenring this year.
While Ducati's aerodynamic package is very advanced, this photo of Johann Zarco's GP21 in parc ferme after his crash in Q2 is very interesting, just after achieving pole position. We can see how thin the fins are!
Photos: Dorna Sports
