In a spectacular opening ceremony at the Wrooom MotoGP Press Ski Meeting 2008, a Desmosedici carried out a highly unusual test. Official Ducati test rider, Vittoriano Guareschi, completed a number of laps of a frozen lake!

Rising to the challenge of taming a 200 plus HP Desmosedici, Guareschi skilfully counter-steered the rear wheel sliding bike, creating dramatic ‘rooster tails’ of ice all around the track.

After saying goodbye to a cheering crowd, a frozen Vittoriano, who had only been wearing his normal race leathers, quickly returned to the warm marquee.

In preparation for these unusual “track” conditions, the Desmosedici had been equipped with specially ‘spiked’ Bridgestone tyres and steel brake discs. The Ducati mechanics, brilliant as always, worked hard to make sure the Desmosedici engine operated at the correct temperature despite the freezing conditions of Madonna di Campiglio.

Ducati Desmosedici GP8 Technical Specifications


Engine: liquid-cooled, 90 degree V4 four-stroke, desmodromic DOHC, four valves per cylinder.

Capacity: 799cc

Maximum power: more than 200hp

Maximum speed: in excess of 310 kph/192 mph

Transmission: Six-speed cassette-type gearbox, with alternative gear ratios available. Dry multiplate slipper clutch. Chain final drive.

Carburation: Indirect Magneti Marelli electronic injection, four throttle bodies with injectors above butterfly valves.
Throttles operated by EVO TCF (Throttle Control & Feedback) system.

Fuel: Shell Racing V-Power

Lubricant: Shell Advance Ultra 4

Ignition: Magneti Marelli

Exhaust: Termignoni

Frame: Tubular steel trellis-style chassis, pressed aluminium swing-arm.

Suspension: Ohlins upside-down 42mm front forks and �hlins rear shock absorber, adjustable for preload, compression and rebound damping.

Tyres: Bridgestone 16.5" front and rear

Brakes: Brembo, two 320mm carbon front discs with four-piston callipers. Single stainless steel rear disc with two-piston callipers.

Dry weight: 148kg