An exclusive look behind the livery of the Ducati Desmosedici GP3

Ducati Desmosedici Desmo16 GP3

With Phil Aynsley

Ducati returned to Grand Prix racing (after a 31-year absence) in 2003 with the Desmosedici (Desmo16) GP3, ridden by Loris Capirossi and Troy Bayliss.

An announcement was made in 2001 that the company would compete in the new 990 cc MotoGP class introduced in 2002. The first Desmosedici debuted in April 2002 and was tested for the remainder of the years before the company officially joined MotoGP in 2003.

While Desmosedici was originally planned to use the ‘Double Pulse, Loud Bang’ firing order, the normal ‘scream’ design was initially used. At the same time, the Twinpulse engine was improved (it appeared at Assen the following year). The chassis uses a minimalist trellis frame and a basic alloy swingarm.

The wind tunnel tested bodywork was designed by F1 aerodynamicist Alan Jenkins and aerodynamics has remained a strong point of all Desmosedicis since.

The smooth-sided early fairing features large vents to help dissipate engine heat. Power was claimed as 220bhp and the bikes proved to be the fastest in the field – another trait that has remained over the years!

Capirossi finished third in the first race of the season at Suzuka, second at Mugello and won at Catalunya!

Three other podiums saw him finish 4th in the championship. Bayliss recorded three sixth places at the end of the season.

The bike seen here was used by Capirossi at the end of the 2003 season. It was then campaigned by two satellite teams before being returned to the factory for a complete refurbishment to original condition.