The homologation V4R rrp is capped by FIM regulation so the manufacturing costs of any “exotic” parts are going to limit their number. My speculation is that you are looking at titanium con rods and inlet valves as a minimum to go with the new crank (shorter stroke for 998cc). If Ducati can bring the bike in under £30k then IMO a full race system is a possibility although not a given. Some time around July is when I expect to see the detail. DISCLAIMER this is all my speculation putting snippets of overheard convesations together. The proverbial 2+2=5 springs to mind. Andy
Time sheets from Jerez. Zanetti was 1.8 seconds slower than Rea but overall posted the fasted time of 269 kmh. Clearly a lot more work needs to be done as the SBK boys were a full second ahead (well Melandri was) on the V-twins, but for a first outing I guess it's not to shabby.
Slightly concerned he’s a smidge slower than Rinaldi riding the STK Aruba Ducati Junior team but as you rightly say, it’s early days as this is the bike’s first open public appearance with competition. Exciting times ahead. Andy
