MotoGP 850: Ducati and Aprilia cool the hype over lap times

Early simulations involving the future 850cc MotoGP bikes have sparked talk of strong performance, but Ducati and Aprilia are staying cautious. Both brands say test references alone are not enough to properly judge the real potential of the new bikes.

With electronics, aerodynamics and development still at an early stage, lap times can be misleading. Any comparison with the current 1000cc era should therefore be taken carefully: the full picture will only emerge once the project reaches a more advanced phase.