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BARNI Racing Team have had a steady start to their 2017 season, with lone rider Xavi Fores currently holding a top six championship position and consistently finishing in the top eight so far. Heading to his home round at MotorLand Aragon, Fores will be looking to continue his pace, but how different is his Panigale R compared to the factory team of Aruba.it Racing – Ducati?

Luca Minnelli, technician for Ducati explains to WorldSBK.com how he helps the customer Ducati team to bridge the gap to the factory outfit, as well as the key differences with the Italian machines.

“There is not that much difference between all the Ducati bikes on the grid,” The Italian explains.  “Electronics, software and chassis are the same as the factory bikes, with the only difference being the setting because this depends on the riding style.”

Ducati’s swing arm is quite a unique one, is there a difference between the one Fores is using compared to Melandri’s?

“Yes but that is again the team’s choice to have a different swing arm, as it also depends on the riding style. We have been testing with a different swing arm and riders then decide which one to use. For example Fores uses the same one as Davies, but this different to Melandri’s and that is simply because our riders have the best feeling with the certain kind of swing arm.”

In terms of the riding position, what is the difference between the BARNI Racing Team bike and a factory machine in terms of how they are positioned?

“It depends on rider size, for example to help with rider position we change the thickness of the seat and the foam. For the feeling of the rider on the bike, the foot peg position is important as we need to keep the rider in the most accurate position for the aero dynamics. As well as this we have a different angle of the handlebars for the riders and a different height of the bike. There can also be a different setting for suspension - like a spring - but it depends on the rider.”