This Robot is a Significant Part of Ducati’s MotoGP Success
This small Lenovo NTB-01 track scanner is a key part of Ducati’s ongoing MotoGP success
It's not just the rider, engine, aerodynamics and chassis components that contribute to MotoGP success, as this tiny robot from Lenovo is currently playing a key role in the Italian marquee's sustained success.
The 2025 season marks the seventh year together as partners for the Borgo Panigale brand and Lenovo, and as evidenced by the season-opener in Thailand, Ducati’s success is showing no sign of slowing down.
Marc Marquez was victorious in both races after having already secured the first pole position of 2025, while brother Alex was second on both occasions while Francesco Bagnaia claimed two third place finishes.
But while the riders aboard the Desmosedici GP24 bikes have a big part to play in the company’s ongoing success, as does the engine and aerodynamics, an unusual contributor has played a key role in aiding Ducati’s dominance.
A motorised scanner from Lenovo has been used by Ducati to scan the tracks that feature on the MotoGP calendar since the second half of the 2024 campaign. The scans are able to generate a 200GB digital recreation of a circuit while adding details such as camber angles in corners.
This means greater accuracy of Ducati’s simulation models, which helps predict different changes in set-up needed based on track conditions as well as the differences in ambient conditions which could affect track grip and bike performance.
As a result of the technologically-advanced motorised scanner, Lenovo claims that simulation models with precise data can benefit from improvements ranging from 2.5 to three seconds in the overall race time.
Andrea Gorfer, MotoGP Electronics & Electronic System Designer, Ducati Corse, said: “To become a MotoGP star these days requires so much more than skill and instinct: The modern driver needs to understand how all these variables come together to make those small adjustments which ultimately make the difference between first and second place.
“We’re constantly pushing the boundaries within the dynamic intersection of technology and sport, trailblazing new techniques that keep us ahead of the competition.”
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After graduating with a sports journalism degree, Robert joined Crash.net to lead the WorldSBK coverage in 2021, while also providing MotoGP coverage. Fulfilling that role for over three years, Robert was able to put his knowledge about all things racing to the test.
