Moto GP
Ducati Abandons ‘Hammerhead’ Fairing: A Shift in MotoGP Aerodynamics Strategy
Ducati's radical 'hammerhead' fairing, which gained significant attention during winter testing, will not make an appearance in a MotoGP race.
As external winglets are not allowed this season, all six manufacturers have developed different fairing designs to compensate for the downforce that has been lost.
However, Honda and Ducati have yet to deviate from their traditional design, unlike Suzuki, Yamaha, Aprilia, and KTM, who have already implemented these new fairings in a grand prix event.
When asked about the future of the 'hammerhead' fairing at Jerez on Sunday, where new team member Jorge Lorenzo secured his first podium finish, Ducati Corse's sporting director Paolo Ciabatti responded:
The fairing that was observed during the tests in Qatar and Jerez is not intended for actual racing use. Our goal was to find a way to partially substitute the downforce. However, we found that doing so significantly reduces top speed. As a result, we are now exploring alternative solutions.
"The riders have only experimented with the fairing design used in Qatar and again to gather more feedback at Jerez. After evaluating it, we concluded that the design was too radical. The drawbacks outweighed the benefits for our bike, so we need to develop a different solution."
In an effort to curb advancements in aerodynamics, teams were permitted to begin the season using a 2016 fairing design without wings from Valencia and could then approve one new design for 2017.
With the season now underway, teams are permitted just one additional fairing modification, except for the new manufacturer KTM.
"We need to confirm that our last available option for homologation works perfectly, as it's our only opportunity to try a different fairing," Ciabatti stated.
When Ducati unveils a new downforce fairing, "we'll likely use the new version at certain tracks while sticking with the current version at others. Previously, the winglets were adjustable, allowing for variations in number, shape, and placement. However, this flexibility is no longer an option."
Newly signed star Jorge Lorenzo secured his inaugural podium finish for Ducati by taking third place at the Spanish Grand Prix.
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