In conjunction with its riders, Andrea Dovizioso and Cal Crutchlow, the factory Ducati squad has made the decision to contest the upcoming MotoGP season on Open class machinery.
The Italian manufacturer had been evaluating the possibility of switching from the Factory class to the new Open class category, which has replaced CRT for the upcoming campaign, at this week's pre-season test in Malaysia.
Initially outlined for privateer entries, those racing under the Open class banner must use specification ECUs and software, but can fit softer tyres, consume an extra four litres of fuel per race and work their way through 12 engines per season, as opposed to five under factory regulations, with flexibility over engine development.
After a successful evaluation of the package at the Sepang circuit, which saw Dovizioso deliver the third quickest time on the final day of the gathering, Ducati has confirmed the Open class as its desired route.
http://www.gpupdate.net/en/motogp-ne...bikes-in-2014/
