MotoGP: Ducati says late 2015 start worth the risk

Ducati MotoGP project boss Gigi Dall'Igna insists he is not concerned about the team's 2015 bike hitting the track much later than those of its rivals.

While Honda and Yamaha have already begun on-track testing with their 2015 machines, the new Ducati will not make its debut until next February's Sepang test.

Asked if he thought that might be too late to be competitive next season, Dall'Igna replied: "Maybe, but I don't want to have to do the job twice. I prefer to collect all the information we need first, and then start the season late but with the right machine."

He believes there is little Ducati can do to cure its fundamental understeer issues with its existing bike, so a completely fresh start for 2015 is the only option.

"It's difficult to say what we need to do to solve the problem," Dall'Igna admitted. "We have tried different set-ups since the beginning of the season and we have other ideas in mind. But it's really difficult to solve; we are trying to reduce it step by step and increase corner speed.

"The new bike will be a different concept so we hope this can reduce the problem."

Ducati controversially switched to MotoGP's new control electronics-based Open class for 2014, allowing it to develop its engine and use 12 units through the season rather than the five that Factory runners are restricted to.

Dall'Igna said that with this year being a development season, he was willing to go beyond the Open engine limit if needed and take penalties.

"Most is important is to develop the bike, so we have to take some risks, even if it means [Andrea] Iannone starting from the pitlane," he said.