Factory duo Dovizioso and Petrucci showcase revamped 2019 livery in Switzerland.
Image: Supplied.
Ducati’s factory MotoGP program will take on a new title and livery entering the 2019 season, launching the Mission Winnow Ducati team in Switzerland overnight.
Taking place at Philip Morris International’s research and development centre, the Cube, riders Andrea Dovizioso and Danilo Petrucci unveiled the brand-new Desmosedici GP19 machine in its all-red colourway.
“Mission Winnow is about driving change by constantly searching for better ways of doing things,” Miroslaw Zielinski, PMI president of science and innovation explained.
“Ducati is one of the most inspiring and resilient brands in MotoGP, with a 70-year history in racing. The team’s determination to do better every race, to think unconventionally and to continuously push the boundaries of technology perfectly exemplify Mission Winnow.”
Image: Supplied.
The Mission Winnow slogan of Phillip Morris first appeared at last year’s Japanese Grand Prix with the Ferrari’s Formula 1 team – which shares the same major backer – and the updated branding of Ducati’s MotoGP effort marks a continuation of the brand’s partnership with PMI that began in 2003.
Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali added: “Racing has always been part of Ducati’s DNA. The solutions and expertise gathered on track represent an asset that is directly tied to our product line and the MotoGP project is crucial for us to produce models that are more performing, exciting and safe to ride for all our passionate fans.
“Looking back at the results achieved in 2018 on track, we can be proud because our Desmosedici GP proved to be one of the most competitive bikes, but we cannot settle and we want to make another, decisive step forward. I believe our know-how and the spirit that characterises the people of Ducati Corse are an extra value compared with our rivals.
“I want to take this occasion to thank all the partners that are supporting us in this new challenge in MotoGP – including Audi Sport, which starting from this season will be main sponsor – and to send my best wishes to the whole Mission Winnow Ducati team for an unforgettable season.”
The Mission Winnow Ducati team will soon leave for Sepang in Malaysia, where on 6-9 February the first collective pre-season tests will unfold.
Source: CycleOnline.com.au