It's official and I'm happy as can be.

http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/200720/1/official-ducati-goes-open-class-for-motogp-2014.html

development begins officially under Gigi's regime' !!!

I wonder how Crusty feels about this decision

:edit: I answered my own question

http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/200739/1/cal-crutchlow-talks-open-motogp-move.html

This is by far the smartest thing they have done in years. truly, they have nothing to lose.

Is that decision already affecting how the bikes perform?

Lats test at Sepang shows some promise and I wonder what they ride today.

From what I've read, neither Crutchlow and Dovi tested the softer rear. Only Crutchlow tested the spec software, and said he was immediately within a couple tenths of his times using the factory software.

They rode mostly the Factory option, but apparently when they rode the Open they were not too far away. They were also not using the softer option tire. From Cal's interview, the extra fuel wasn't that big a deal in Sepang. I'm sure it will be for the races that the Yamaha always seems to run out of fuel on the cool down lap.

Quote from: stopintime on February 28, 2014, 02:41:03 PM
Is that decision already affecting how the bikes perform?

Lats test at Sepang shows some promise and I wonder what they ride today.

Yonny Hernandez has been entered as an 'open' Ducati rider since the start.
We can assume he's been on an 'open' spec bike the whole time.

Dovisioso and Crutchlow both rode an 'open' bike on the last day of this test.
Not for the whole day, just at the end, Dovi did a race simulation on it.
Supposedly just a bit slower.
Not sure what Iannone's been running.

They're being a bit coy about who ran what, and when, so I may not have the true story, or not comprehended all the info correctly.
Possibly more details coming out later.

New info to me today, but the difference between 'open' and 'factory' is not only software, but there is an 'open' set of handlebar switches that must be used, and an 'inertia platform' that has gyroscopes and accelerometers and such.
So it's not just loading new software.
I've not seen any info on whether engine sensors, wheel speed sensors, etc. are 'open' spec items, or if the teams can use whatever they want.
Enough to make me think that switching the same bike from 'factory' to 'open' isn't a 5 minute job.

Also, there was a large software upgrade brought to Sepang 2 for the 'open' bikes.
But (purportedly) nobody ran it, because it's quite a bit more complex, more data tables to populate.
http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/200707/1/very-big-open-software-upgrade-not-yet-used.html

Coincidentally, there is info that Ducati brought 'a big software upgrade' to Magneti Marelli recently.
It's within the rules, you can use any software you want, as long as it's shared amongst all the open bikes.

I suspect that Ducati did use the official MM upgrade at this Sepang 2, likely because they're the ones that developed it.

This could be a standing advantage for Ducati, if they continue to develop software in testing, with new features or algorithms.
Do enough running to get the data tables populated and tuned, then drop it on MM's doorstep a couple days before the next race.
They then hit the ground running, and other open teams are left to figure it out.

I'm not aware if there's any software homologation that prevents this last scenario.

I've heard some teams are already complaining about the amount of data that Ducati has provided to MM. I think the other factories are probably looking into the situation, since they see the writing on the wall and don't want Ducati to have this advantage going past this season.

Honda complains about getting out-Honda'd. News at 11.

http://au.eurosport.com/moto/ducati-class-switch-angers-honda_sto4160697/story.shtml

So the bully has had its nose bloodied and runs crying to mommy... 

Personally I don't like Ducati doing this.  In my opinion they are masking a bad chassis with higher fuel/power/engine limits.  Honda/Yam will still win, but you have to admit if they went open with more fuel/power, Ducati would be right back where they started.  The step up in performance comes with an asterisk.  Its a factory effort playing by different rules.

Poor Livio.

He keeps closing the stable door, and there's still no horse.

Quote from: Jester on March 04, 2014, 10:31:59 AM
Personally I don't like Ducati doing this.  In my opinion they are masking a bad chassis with higher fuel/power/engine limits.  Honda/Yam will still win, but you have to admit if they went open with more fuel/power, Ducati would be right back where they started.  The step up in performance comes with an asterisk.  Its a factory effort playing by different rules.

No it isn't. It is a factory effort playing by the written rules. It's legal, and that's all that matters. If they wanted factories excluded, then it should be in the rules. Intent, spirit, fundamental basis, etc. for the rule is all BS.

Besides, the engine limit and fuel limit rules were pushed through mainly by Honda because they have the budget for it. They're stupid rules to begin with.

The Ducati chassis may be bad...or it may be bad for the spec. tire (another stupid rule). We're not really sure.

Either way...some teams win with a great handling bike and less power, others win with an OK handling bike and a shit ton of power. Who cares...a win is a win, and the differences make racing more interesting.

If Honda/Yamaha feels they are at a disadvantage, they are free to run Open as well. That's what Dorna wants in the long run anyway. Don't be so quick to negate the importance/effectiveness of the Factory software though...it may prove to be a huge advantage.

I don't think Honda cares that Ducati is Open...they care that the Open software appears to be from Ducati.

HRC pretty much controls MSMA. MSMA loses bargaining power if Ducati agrees to follow the rules set by Dorna. They would be in a safer position if Suzuki was there with them.