We’ve already published a preview of the German Grand Prix, but there’s more to be said, at least as far as Ducati is concerned. Because the red Borgo Panigale has only ever won one MotoGP race at the Sachsenring, and that was fourteen years ago. Powering the Desmosedici to the top step of the rostrum was Casey Stoner, on what was a wet Sunday. 

A race win but no title

Ah yes, it was the year that the Ducati flaunted the number 1 plate, a symbol of its success with Casey Stoner the previous year. A feat that deserved respect, because the Desmosedici and Stoner really were the best. The 2007 season brought Borgo Panigale its only title win to date, while it was a first for the Australian, who did it again in 2011 with Honda.

But back to the task at hand. Out of fourteen spring (or is that summer?) races run in Germany, the red bike has won just one. There was a podium for Andrea Dovizioso in 2016, and nothing since. So it’s clear that the Saxon track is a challenging one for the Italian four-cyclinder, but its riders nevertheless hope to invert previous results this coming weekend. 

Eight Desmosedicis at the Ring – will we see one on the top step?

Considering we have Pecco Bagnaia, Jack Miller, Jorge Martin, Johann Zarco, Enea Bastianini, Fabio Di Giannantonio, Luca Marini and Marco Bezzecchi, it should be possible to see at least one Ducati on the podium in Germany. But having said that, even Ducati management is quick to point out just how tricky the Sachsenring is for the Desmosedici.

The salient characteristics of the Italian bike can be seen in its hard braking and incredible acceleration. But the German track offers only one point at which these traits will come into their own, maybe two, but no more. On the contrary, in order to set quick lap times, riders need a perfectly set up chassis and smooth delivery.

There are many corners coming one after the other, particularly left-handers. How has Marc Marquez been able to win in every class and with every bike in Germany? Is it a matter of electronics, frames, tyres and suspension? Of course not. The number 93 rider was the strongest at that track and that’s all there is to it. It’s just a pity we won’t see him there this year.

Translated by Heather Watson

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