Source: Autosport
Ducati have released the first official images of their 2009 MotoGP challenger, which features a radical carbon fibre chassis.
The Desmosedici GP9 replaces the traditional tube frame with a carbon design, an innovation first tested by the team last summer.
"Some changes we've made to the cycle part could seem more revolutionary than others but in reality we continue to evolve the initial concept that we designed with the GP3," technical director Filippo Preziosi said after the initial tests in June last year.
"So it's not a change in the direction of development, but another step forward in the same direction.
"The fact we've used carbon fibre in the production of the chassis is not the most relevant point, it is more the shape that is different from before."
The bike will be officially unveiled to the media during the traditional 'Wroom' event at the Madonna Di Campiglio ski resort in Italy tomorrow.
Ducati are looking to reclaim the MotoGP title in 2009 after Casey Stoner lost his crown to the resurgent Valentino Rossi and Yamaha last year. The Australian has been joined by 2006 world champion Nicky Hayden this season.
