Ducati’s MotoGP target this year was clear: to win a race with the new GP15 Desmosedici. Things didn’t quite go to plan in that regard for those at Borgo Panigale, however, the competitiveness is now fully recognized and in 2016 the MotoGP grid will see eight Ducatis line up on it.

Race boss Gigi Dall’Igna has already recognised where things began to slip and says they need to help Andrea Dovizioso to get back up to podium level - particularly in areas like braking where he says he has little feel.

“We cannot be particularly satisfied with the 2015 season. We went close several times to winning but in the end we didn’t make it”, said Gigi Dall’Igna, Ducati’s MotoGP ringmaster, speaking to bikesportnews.com

“It has been an up and down season and I like to divide it into three parts. In the first part we did really well and we were constantly able to fight with the firsts, then the second part was where we struggled more and finally in the third part, starting from Brno we did an important step forward.

“We succeed to get closer and do some incredible races like in Australia although the results didn’t reflect this. In the last four races with (Andrea) Iannone, in fact, we finished only one race.

“In the first part of the season both factory riders were competitive, then (Andrea) Dovizioso started to struggle while Iannone was more consistent. As for what happened to Dovizioso, I can say that we found a set up that suited better Iannone’s style, but it’s also true that “Dovi” didn’t succeed to take advantage of the strengths of the GP15. So I divide the fault down the middle”, continued Dall’Igna.

“We need to find some solutions to support Dovizioso. He has been very important for Ducati in the development of the bike, he claimed five podium finishes this year. In the second part of the season we lost some feeling and it’s crucial to find it again, because Ducati needs Dovizioso and he needs Ducati.”