Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Rossi to compare GP11 and GP11.1 in USA


Valentino Rossi Ducati


Rossi has made public is frustration with the revised machine and has suggested he would benefit from returning to the original GP11.

Valentino Rossi's wish to return to the Ducati GP11 could be granted as early as this weekend's United States Grand Prix after the team announced it would be taking both it and the revised GP11.1 to Laguna Seca.

The Italian declared his dissatisfaction with the GP11.1, introduced from the Dutch TT as an attempt to advance the original GP11 package with features that will be used on next year's 1000cc GP12, after qualifying a lowly 16th for the German Grand Prix.

Suggesting he was ready to return to the GP11 in an effort to improve an average run of form, the former champion will possibly have the chance to ride the two machines back-to-back during free practice for this weekend's United States Grand Prix.

Though Ducati has not made a final decision on this matter, Rossi feels it will be a benefit in the longer term, even if it will likely affect his race performance come Sunday.

“I think that we'll try to use both versions of the Desmosedici on Friday so that we can compare them and do some work for both the near term and the future, because we want to learn as much as possible. We're aware that it could be difficult because we'll also have to be preparing for the race, but we think that in order to improve our bike, it's important to try everything possible. 

A legendary circuit for Rossi, not least as regard to his epic tussle with Casey Stoner in 2008, he will also have the benefit of Jerry Burgess's presence following an absence of two races.

“For me, Laguna represents a great corner, the Corkscrew, and many nice memories, including one of the best races of my career, in 2008. In any case, it's always a pleasure to race in the United States because the motorcycle world here is really nice. Of course I'm even happier that Jerry has returned and I look forward to seeing him in the garage again with all the guys.”

Rossi remains fourth in the overall standings, despite finishing down in ninth at the Sachsenring, while he has also failed to qualify inside the top ten over the last four rounds.

source: crash

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