Ducati MotoGP rider Nicky Hayden was in India a few days back for the unveiling of the Italian marquee’s new showroom in Gurgaon. While on route to our country, the American reported visited Bologna to celebrate holidays with his Ducati crew. While he was at it, Nicky laid his eyes on the new 2010 Ducati prototype that he would race in the upcoming season. Interestingly enough, he took a snap of the new bike on this cellphone and uploaded it on his website. Whether this is a marketing stunt for Ducati or a flimsy mistake on Hayden’s part is something that we can’t comment on.
However what we can point out is the increased size of the vents on the side fairing. The new design seems to be a result of the 2010 regulations where the teams will be allowed to use a maximum of six engines for the entire season, thus putting emphasis on engine longevity and reliability. The larger vents will aid in better cooling of the race engine and will help dissipate the heat more efficiently off the desmo motor. From what we hear, the GP10 sounds significantly different from the GP9, primarily owing to the fact that its running totally different and rather conservative valve timings. The official word however will come when the GP10 is unveiled in mid-Jan, 2010. Let’s hope at least this bike is designed to suit both the riders and not just Stoner alone. Whichever way it swings though, we are sure to be treated to some crazy Desmosedici action in 2010…