Ducati Engineers Manage Dual Load Simulation

Ducati Corse is conducting a massive development operation ahead of the 2027 MotoGP season. The Italian manufacturer must manage two different motorcycle programs simultaneously, and to lighten this dual workload, they have invested in high-performance computing (HPC) infrastructure. During this process, while new technical regulations do not impede the development of the current Desmosedici model on track, they are simultaneously engineering the next-generation prototype set to debut in 2027.

Technology Support for Dual Development Load

Ducati Corse has partnered with Lenovo, a name and technology sponsor, to manage the heavy dual workload on their shoulders. Thanks to this collaboration, the racing department's HPC infrastructure has grown significantly. The additional processing power gained by the system allows engineers to run numerous engine and aerodynamic simulations simultaneously. This enables physical prototype parts to be examined in detail in a virtual environment before they enter the production line.

The calculation time for the Ducati 850 cc engine has been significantly reduced. According to data shared by Ducati, the processing time for three-dimensional Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations of the engine dropped by 50 percent. Furthermore, structural analysis processes for the body and parts consume approximately 30 percent less time.

Critical Increase in Computing Capacity

The expanded system's theoretical processing capacity surpasses the 108 TFLOPS limit for dual safety standards. The processing power of the computing nodes has increased by approximately 48 percent compared to the previous generation. The system memory capacity accompanying the infrastructure has also nearly doubled. This technical leap translates directly into time savings for Borgo Panigale engineers. Developers can analyze many more alternative engineering solutions within the same timeframe. At the end of the process, only designs offering the highest yield are produced as physical prototypes and taken to the track. Ducati aims to achieve a shorter development schedule, lower costs, and much tighter tolerances.

The Critical Role of Simulations

Virtual analysis methods are rising to a pivotal position not only in engine block development but also in aerodynamic development. Due to the concession system in the MotoGP rulebook, real track tests are subject to severe restrictions. To overcome this obstacle, Ducati aims to complete the largest possible portion of the development steps in digital simulators during the initial phase. Thanks to the advanced supercomputer infrastructure, complex algorithms model real track dynamics with much higher accuracy. Engineers track the effect of even the smallest modification in the aerodynamic body on the overall motorcycle balance with millimeter precision.

Ducati Corse Technical Director Davide Barana highlighted the partnership with Lenovo in his assessment, stating, "Lenovo has once again supported us with the technology we need to optimize the motorcycle's construction and development processes."

Barana emphasized the challenges of developing two motorcycles simultaneously, summarizing the situation with the following statement: "We must have enough processing power to complete the design of our next-generation Desmosedici GP model and develop the 2026 motorcycle for the championship race simultaneously."

These technical developments indicate that the premier class will enter a new era with 2027. Engine cylinder capacities will be reduced from 1000 cc to 850 cc, and engineers' aerodynamic freedom will be restricted. Furthermore, the title for the championship's single tire supplier will change from Michelin to Pirelli. During this period when real tests are constrained by regulations, Ducati focuses on concluding every development phase primarily in a computer environment.

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• Archive: Nicolo Bulega reviewed the new Ducati engine (September 6, 2026)