Ducati took the motorcycle racing world by storm when CEO Claudio Domenicali announced that the brand would become the sole MotoE manufacturer from 2023 to 2026. Before the press conference, Ducati stayed on the fence, wavering between synthetic fuels and electronics for the company’s future. Domenicali has drawn a clear line in the sand with the MotoE announcement, but also made it clear that Ducati has a lot to clarify before the 2023 season.
During the conference, the Ducati CEO dampened all rumors of upcoming electric production models, stating that Ducatisti shouldn’t expect a street-legal bike until 2025-2030 (or possibly later). Domenicali also highlighted the brand’s focus on lightweight construction, efficiency and battery composition. However, many Ducati and racing fans still had questions after the event, and Ducati’s top man answered some in one of his recent interviews.
“The drivetrain is developed in the R&D center of the street bike department because we don’t just want to develop a racing bike,” Domenicali told Cycle World, “but the entire aerodynamics and chassis are handled by the racing department under the supervision of. develops Gigi Dall’Igna (Ducati MotoGP team manager). The test on the track is carried out by the racing department. “
Ducati’s MotoGP team has been synonymous with technology and aerodynamics for the past few years. From its holeshot device to the massive winglets of the Desmosedici GP21, the gadgets and bodywork of the Bologna team are the envy of the MotoGP paddock. While the radical tech helps put Ducati at the forefront of the group, it knows the road calls for more subtle applications, as do their production electric models.
“We want to build a racing bike and develop the technology further. That doesn’t mean that we will necessarily make a replica of the racing bike, ”says Domenicali. “For example, we could do a naked. The aim is to develop technology and know-how. “
As Ducati dives headlong into the MotoE racing series, it knows that current electric vehicle technology poses challenges to the weight, range and price of a motorcycle. In addition, factors such as infrastructure are not in the brand’s hands and push the prospects of a roadworthy electric Ducati further into the future.
“We’re used to finding a gas station on every corner; The same should be possible for charging electric vehicles, ”concluded Domenicali. “There is still a lot to do in southern Europe, for example. In addition to a diffuse network, fast charging is another important point. “