MotoGP 2013: Hayden's, Dovi's and Spies' Ducatis

Today we have a special MotoGP 2013 feature packed with information, since we are going to talk about Ducati’s men, specifically Andrea Dovizioso, Nicky Hayden and Ben Spies, since we already covered Andrea Iannone in the rookies special for this season in the premier class.

For 2013 the Italian brand has decided to bet on a bit of renewal, while keeping veteran Nicky Hayden in its ranks. The American had his great moment in 2006 when he became MotoGP world champion with Honda. Afterwards things got complicated. He arrived at Ducati in 2009 with plenty of hope and desire, but he found an unruly bike: the Desmosedici has given him, and still gives him, a hard time. Yet he has worked from day one until now to turn this bike into a winner, and Ducati’s Borgo Panigale headquarters has recognized it.

The past season was no exception, but the 69 also suffered some physical problems and injuries, which made things even harder. He closed the year in ninth place in the premier class’s overall standings, and now he arrives at a vital 2013, his fifth season with Ducati, from which an improvement over last year is expected. Above all, though, and as always, a lot of hard work on his part, which is guaranteed. For now, in the pre-season tests, especially at Jerez, we are seeing a strong Hayden, inside the top 10.

Joining Hayden in the Ducati factory team is Andrea Dovizioso. The Italian will try to fulfil the Italian dream of riding an Italian bike. At the very least he will follow the path Rossi began during recent seasons, which did not end as well as hoped, so now Dovi arrives going all out, eager to get the most out of the Desmosedici 2013.

The Italian is a regular in the World Motorcycle Championship. After his battles in the smaller categories, in 2009 he made the big leap to MotoGP with HRC, earning his first victory at Donington Park, while in 2010 he kept improving, showing his full potential and fighting with the leading riders. In 2011 he was part of the trio Honda fielded to win the title alongside Pedrosa and Stoner, taking third place overall.

His first great adventure after the Honda era came in 2012, when the Monster Yamaha Tech3 opened a door for him. He was one of the breakthrough riders of the season on the satellite Yamaha, adding six new podiums to his record. Now he faces a new challenge with the Italian machine par excellence. In these first pre-season tests he has been consistent, and especially at Jerez these days he looks comfortable. We will see him in action.

Finally, let’s talk about Ben Spies, another of the most significant changes, since he leaves Yamaha to join the Pramac Racing Team project aboard a Ducati. This will not be easy for the American, who is used to riding Japanese machines.

His arrival in MotoGP came in 2008 as a wild card for Suzuki. At those events he impressed and showed all his power, so in 2010 we saw him with the Monster Yamaha Tech3 winning two podiums, a pole and the rookie of the year title, leaving everyone astonished with his performances, given the disadvantage. All this led him to make his big leap to the Yamaha factory team in 2011, earning his first victory at Assen, with two more podiums. In 2012, however, it was not a good year: many difficulties and bad luck crossed the path of the 11.

Now he faces a new, complicated, tough challenge ahead, but Spies will keep fighting as always.

Photo | MotoGP Official website