"We just need to improve the bike, not make a copy of the Yamaha."
Ducati may be aiming to help Valentino Rossi replicate his Yamaha success with its Desmosedici, but the Italian factory insists it doesn't need to build a copy of the M1.
After a 15th place on Rossi's Ducati debut during testing at Valencia, Ducati confessed changes will be needed to allow the seven time MotoGP champion to ride as he would like.
But despite so many team members moving with Rossi from Yamaha, team manager Vittoriano Guareschi insists that there is no pressure to change the Ducati design philosophy.
"The [new team members from Yamaha] are settling in well. After so many years at Yamaha they appreciate the soul of our brand," Guareschi told Italy's La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“Jerry [Rossi's crew chief] is reassuring. In general there is peace of mind: we just need to improve the bike, not make a copy of the Yamaha.
"We're going in the direction indicated by Valentino for 2011.
"The times [during testing at Valencia] were not very encouraging, it must be said, but after seeing the condition of his shoulder, we felt reassured. Our bike requires strong physical input and Valentino wasn't fit enough in Valencia.”
Rossi has since undergone surgery for the shoulder injury and will be present for the unveiling of the 2011 Ducati at the upcoming Wrooom press ski meeting. Rossi's first ride in Ducati red will then take place at Sepang, Malaysia, from February 1-3.
After a 15th place on Rossi's Ducati debut during testing at Valencia, Ducati confessed changes will be needed to allow the seven time MotoGP champion to ride as he would like.
But despite so many team members moving with Rossi from Yamaha, team manager Vittoriano Guareschi insists that there is no pressure to change the Ducati design philosophy.
"The [new team members from Yamaha] are settling in well. After so many years at Yamaha they appreciate the soul of our brand," Guareschi told Italy's La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“Jerry [Rossi's crew chief] is reassuring. In general there is peace of mind: we just need to improve the bike, not make a copy of the Yamaha.
"We're going in the direction indicated by Valentino for 2011.
"The times [during testing at Valencia] were not very encouraging, it must be said, but after seeing the condition of his shoulder, we felt reassured. Our bike requires strong physical input and Valentino wasn't fit enough in Valencia.”
Rossi has since undergone surgery for the shoulder injury and will be present for the unveiling of the 2011 Ducati at the upcoming Wrooom press ski meeting. Rossi's first ride in Ducati red will then take place at Sepang, Malaysia, from February 1-3.
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