Burgess: Rossi rates Ducati engine and rear grip

VALENTINO ROSSI'S MotoGP crew chief Jeremy Burgess has given an insight into the Italian's first impressions of the 2011 Ducati Desmosedici following post-season testing in Valencia.

Rossi has been prevented by a contractual clause with Yamaha from commenting on the Ducati but his crew chief Jeremy Burgess has opened up about the nine-time World Champion's initial impressions of the Ducati.

"The Ducati is more physical to ride than the Japanese bikes and turning the bike is one of our issues we need to improve," Burgess explained. "You have to force it a little more and that probably added some stress that we didn't expect to be there. We didn't want to push into any areas of risk."

Burgess continues by saying: "But Valentino said the bike has fantastic rear grip and that the engine is terrific.

"We would have loved to have been further up the time sheets. Everybody loves to be on top. But Valentino just wanted to ride and understand the bike. He didn't want to push as hard as he could have."

Burgess is scheduled to visit Bologna later this month to discuss in detail with Rossi and Ducati MotoGP boss Filippo Preziosi about changes that need to be made to the Desmosedici. It's reported Preziosi was amazed by Rossi's cool, calculating approach to the bike, something Burgess believes Ducati will appreciate:

"Valentino knows his own ability and he knows what he can do and perhaps Filippo is used to dealing with Casey!" Burgess said. "Valentino knows that that you have to get the information across in a calm and forthright way. Yelling and screaming doesn't get you very far."

Via Speed.tv