Ducati Corse pulls wraps off 2020 MotoGP contender

Ducati Corse has become the first team to pulls the wraps off its 2020 MotoGP World Championship contender as it emphasises its bid to go one better and secure title glory with Andrea Dovizioso and Danilo Petrucci.

Sporting a familiar but updated rendition of its iconic scarlet livery, the Ducati GP20 features more prominent Mission Winnow branding, to reflect its long-time backing from Phillip Morris International, as well as greater presence from owners Audi Sport.

Having reaffirmed its status as the closest rival to the all-dominant Marc Marquez-Honda package in 2019, Ducati Corse General Manager Gigi Dall’Igna insists the lessons learned over the past year have helped craft what he believes is its most complete effort yet.

“We already left the 2019 season behind, a year that saw us confirmed as runner-up in the riders’ standings for the third time in a row with Andrea. Dovizioso scored nine podiums and two incredible victories. At the same time, Danilo gave us incredible emotions with his victory in Mugello, which is a GP that we had won in the last three years.

“Still, we can’t say that we are completely satisfied as our ultimate goal remains the same: winning the championship title. 2020 will be even more intense and demanding with twenty races scheduled in the calendar, and our rivals will be even more competitive.

“That is why we all need to increase our commitment. For this reason, we have been working harder during the winter to offer to Andrea and Danilo a Desmosedici GP20 bike that will allow them to become leading contenders in all races and all conditions.”

Runner-up to Marquez for the past three seasons, Dovizioso enjoyed his best season in terms of points in 2019 but finished considerably further adrift of his main rival having ceded his challenge with four rounds remaining.

However, while he anticipates close competition from more rivals in 2020, he is confident the Ducati is a step ahead.

“2019 was interesting and made us understand a few aspects that will help us to improve and grow in 2020. Last year we finished as runner-up for the third consecutive time behind Marc Màrquez, a rider that for sure made the difference last year, but we also did our best managing well our potential. Every year has its own story, and it is not easy to predict what will happen in 2020.

“Our goal is clear; we want to challenge for the title again. Both Ducati and I are working hard to be back stronger than ever before. Compared to last year, I expect to find more competitive rivals, but we have also grown a lot, and I am confident that we will be able to continue with our positive trend.”

Making his Ducati factory debut in 2019, Petrucci toasted his new status with a memorable maiden win on home soil at Mugello. However, while a sizeable dip in form during the second-half of the year have raised questions about his future in the team beyond 2020, he maintains he is ready to prove himself this year.

“2019 was positive for me, despite a few difficulties towards the end of the year. It was my best season in MotoGP in terms of results. I took my first win in Mugello in a fantastic race in front of my home crowd and all the Ducati fans.

“This result boosts my confidence and motivates me to improve even more this year. I know our rivals will be back stronger this year, but that counts for me too. I have been improving and growing each season, and this year I want to confirm my results and make further steps forward compared to last year.”