Claudio Domenicali (left) has revealed that Rossi will work with Ducati Corse general director Filippo Preziosi (centre) in street bike development.

Ducati Motor Holding general director Claudio Domenicali has revealed that new MotoGP signing Valentino Rossi will play a hands on role in developing Ducati sportsbikes for the Italian brand.

Speaking at Ducati’s annual Wrooom Press Ski event in Italy, Domenicali said that while technology will obviously be carried over from MotoGP, Rossi himself is expected to test the production street bikes on occasion.

“The big news for 2011, which opens a third phase, is the arrival of Valentino Rossi on the team,” Domenicali commented.

“It’s an important phase for our company, which relies a lot on research and development, and which uses the MotoGP series not only as a venue for winning, but also as a laboratory for advanced research.

“Valentino is universally recognized as a master at taking a bike to its limits, but also at providing feedback that’s extremely useful for development. We think this skill will give us a big push for improving our engineering, and to always give our fans the best bikes possible.

“Many of the models we’ve produced in recent years, starting with the 1198 – our flagship sport bike – but also bikes intended for less extreme application, including the Multistrada 1200, Streetfighter, Diavel, and Monster, boast technical characteristics that come directly from our experience in MotoGP, like traction control and aspects of electronic engine management.

“This will happen even more with the new generation of sportsbikes that we’re working on now, bikes in which this link will be even more direct, from electronic management strategies to the chassis to the motor.

“Filippo Preziosi’s work with both of our riders will be even more evident, and we’re certain that the possibility of also having Valentino test our new models and give us his impressions will make this flow of technology even more effective.

“It’s an important challenge and a big responsibility, but also a great opportunity to grow.”