Rossi & Ducati: 2011 vs 2012

It was meant to be an Italian dream reminiscent of the era when Giacomo Agostini dominated Grand Prix with MV Agusta, but ever since Valentino Rossi joined Ducati he has dwindled into a mid-pack runner.

There have been glimmers of hope, a Ducati-best for Rossi in the rain at Le Mans and a good showing in the last round at Mugello. Clearly his best dry weather performance, finishing 11 seconds behind the race winner and within eye-shot of the podium. But looking at the above graph, his finishes were actually better last season and before he dumped the carbon-fibre chassis...

MotoGP needs Rossi, so let's hope any Audi influence could help turn around the Italian's fortunes at Ducati.

By Robin Goodwin