MotoGP – Preview Laguna Seca – The Ducati Team prepares for the American “Rodeo”.

The Ducati Marlboro Team riders are preparing for what could prove to be one of the most spectacular events of the 2005 MotoGP Championship, moving overseas and arriving at Laguna Seca, which hasn't hosted a GP since 1994. The American track is an unparalleled, stunning a unique mix of fast corners and ups and downs, a track capable of enhancing the courage and skill of the drivers, so much so that a lap of the track at Laguna Seca has often been compared to a roller coaster in an amusement park!
Both Loris Capirossi and Carlos Checa experienced the 'thrill' of Laguna Seca when they raced in 250, but returning to the Californian circuit astride the powerful 989cc Desmosedicis with more than 230 horsepower will certainly be something else entirely.
The Italian V4, now in its third year in MotoGP, is one of the fastest bikes on the grid. After the podium achieved at Mugello last month, the Ducati Marlboro Team hopes to be able to obtain another important result, celebrating the first United States GP with dignity!

“With the Superbike we have already been to Laguna Seca, also achieving many victories, but this will be our first time with the MotoGP – says Livio Suppo, head of the MotoGP project – The United States is an important market, where Ducati is very successful, so we hope that this event will bring even more interest in our brand. It will be a stimulating weekend because, even though the drivers and some of our engineers know the track, we haven't been there for so long that going back there will be like going there for the first time."

The technical director of the Ducati Marlboro Team Corrado Cecchinelli is very happy to return to Laguna: “It is absolutely my favorite circuit – says Cecchinelli who, with the Superbike Team, had achieved numerous successes there – I like the differences in height and in Laguna there is no lack of Certain. Based on the experience I have gained in the past, I can say that this circuit does not require a lot of power but rather handling and good power delivery. The riders need a lot of confidence with the front because there are many descents and challenging corners like nine and ten, where precious tenths can be gained."

Getting the Ducati Marlboro Team to race in Laguna requires a significant logistical commitment: 12.000 kg of materials stowed in 50 crates were shipped to the United States.

Ducati Press