#Throwback Thursday: Valentino Rossi’s challenging move to Ducati in 2011

Photo: Reuters

30.01.2025, 09:38 UTC
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4 min

#Throwback Thursday: Valentino Rossi’s challenging move to Ducati in 2011

Eliška Ryšánková

News.GP journalist who’s all about the thrilling worlds of MotoGP and Formula 1.

MotoGP throwbackthursday valentinorossi motogphistory

In 2011, Valentino Rossi made a high-stakes move from Yamaha to Ducati, expecting to continue his championship-winning form. However, the season turned out to be one of the toughest in his career. As Rossi struggled with Ducati’s aggressive bike and technical setbacks, this ‘Throwback Thursday’ takes a look at the challenges that defined his season, the lessons learned, and the lasting impact it had on both his career and Ducati’s future in MotoGP

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The 2011 season saw the legend Valentino Rossi make a significant change in his career as he switched from Yamaha to Ducati, a move that had everyone on their heels. The partnership between Rossi and Ducati was expected to help in championship results. However, the season turned out to be one of the most challenging in Rossi's career.

The Move to Ducati

After securing multiple championships with Yamaha, Rossi decided to take on a new challenge by joining Ducati in 2011. The move was driven by the desire to win with an all-Italian team. Ducati had shown promising speed in previous seasons, particularly with Casey Stoner, who won the 2007 MotoGP title with the team. So the expectations were high that Rossi's experience and talent would bring further success.

Struggles

From the start, Rossi faced difficulties adapting to the Ducati Desmosedici GP11. The bike's aggressive power delivery and handling characteristics proved to be significant obstacles. Unlike the Yamaha M1, which was known for its smooth handling and balance, the Ducati required a completely different riding style—something that even Rossi struggled to master.

In addition to the technical difficulties, Rossi was also recovering from a shoulder injury he had sustained in 2010, which further hampered his performance. Throughout the season, he and his team worked tirelessly to improve the bike, even testing various configurations and adjustments. However, the progress was slow, and the results were underwhelming.

A Season of Frustration

Rossi's best finish in 2011 was a third-place podium at the French Grand Prix, which was also a rare highlight in this season. Throughout the year, he struggled to match the pace of Honda and Yamaha riders, often finishing in mid-pack positions. The gap between Rossi and the front runners became evident, and by the end of the season, he finished seventh in the championship standings, which was a big change from his previous dominance in MotoGP.

One of the lowest points of the season came at the Japanese Grand Prix, where Rossi was involved in a first-lap crash and failed to finish the race. Additionally, his clashes with Ducati engineers over bike development became a deeper problem within the team. Despite numerous attempts to improve the Desmosedici, Ducati was unable to produce a competitive bike.

Return to Yamaha

As the 2011 season was coming to an end, it was clear that Rossi's dream of winning with Ducati was slipping away. The struggles continued even into the 2012 season, and by mid-year, it was announced that Rossi would return to Yamaha for the 2013 season. His return to Yamaha reignited his career, leading to more victories and podium finishes in the following years.

The Ducati Chapter

Rossi's time with Ducati is often remembered as a low point in his otherwise spectacular career. However, it also highlighted his determination and willingness to take on new challenges. While his stay with Ducati did not meet the success many had hoped for, it remains an important chapter in MotoGP history, demonstrating the complexity of bike development and the chemistry between a rider and the bike.

Despite the difficulties, Rossi's influence helped shape Ducati's future approach to MotoGP. The lessons learned from this period contributed to Ducati's later success, helping in their eventual return to championship-winning form with riders like Andrea Dovizioso and Francesco Bagnaia.

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