Ducati launch 2005 team

Ducati has launched its 2005 World Superbike squad with riders James Toseland and Regis Laconi, plus the 2005 Desmosedici, in the colours of new team sponsor Xerox.

This season will be the firm’s 18th in the championship, with 11 riders and 13 manufacturers titles so far. The last two seasons have seen consecutive titles for British riders Neil Hodgson and James Toseland.

The 999 has had major modifications for the coming season, with renewed competition from Japanese manufacturers.

“The main changes in the engine are to the crankshaft, the conrods and the pistons for higher revs and performance. We also added an electric start and with Shell, developed a new type of fuel and oil. These modifications produced an increase of five horsepower,” said technical director Ernesto Marinelli.

Other changes include a new screen, Ohlins TT25 front forks, and a new aluminium tank which is designed to allow more space for electronic components and imrpove the weight distribution. The Magneti Marelli Marvel 4 ECU comes to the bike from the MotoGP team, and two new engine management stratregis should improve engine braking and throttle delivery.