That Ducati is hard at work is testified by the number of tests and development work they’re still doing on the GP11 trying to help Valentino Rossi get around his highly disappointing season (rumors have it that sponsor Phillip Morris is not happy at all with the results of the highly paid Italian champion) so Ducati has decided to bring to this weekend’s Assen GP a new version of the GP11 dubbed the GP11.1.

The GP11.1 is fitted with Ducati’s new 2012 chassis and also features the DST (Ducati Seamless Transmission) that has been inspired by Honda’s initially controversial DCT (dual clutch transmission).

“We decided to make the GP11.1, which is an 800cc engine in a GP12 chassis, in order to accelerate development on next year’s bike, and also to provide our riders with a potentially better base for the current championship,” said Ducati’s technical boss Filippo Preziosi. “Considering that Valentino still hasn’t ever ridden the GP11.1, this decision could require some races for the team to completely take advantage of its potential, but we decided to move forward with it because we believe it’s an important step for our development process. The next-generation gearbox, on the other hand, is a solution that we think will be an immediate improvement. The Ducati Corse Department will continue studying further innovations, both for this year and for 2012.”

While Valentino Rossi said, “Filippo, the guys at Ducati and the test team have worked really hard, and that has enabled us to make this new step with the development of our bike.We haven’t had the chance to test the 800 since Estoril, so we’ll do it during the race weekends, being aware that despite having very limited time, we’ll have to focus on two jobs: making basic adjustments to the new technical parts, and finding a general set-up for the race on Saturday. We’ll have to do a good job on the track in order to get the most out of the work done at the factory. It will be hard, and we know it might take some time before we can completely reach the potential of the whole package, but we’re happy and motivated by the work we’re doing.”

Nicky Hayden however being the Cinderella in the team and because he’s on his fourth engine will not be getting the GP11.1 version until Laguna Seca, instead he’ll be using an upgraded step 2 version of the 2011 frame at Assen.

“It’s clear that Ducati is working hard, and that’s motivating for me, for the team, and for all of our Ducati supporters,” said Hayden. “I look forward to getting my hands on a GP11.1 as soon as possible as well.”

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