Ducati Launch Moto GP Recovery Mission

Under new-ownership from Audi, the prospect of life without Valentino Rossi, and mounting pressure from the marque's legion of tifosi, todays unveiling of Ducati's 2013 Moto GP challenger marks an important date in the manufacturers history. 
The Italian-team launched the new Desmosedici GP13 in usual fashion, during the annual Wrooom event held at the Italian ski resort of Madonna di Campiglio, with both Andrea Dovizioso and established team leader Nicky Hayden in attendance. 
Following a torrid couple of seasons, Ducati, and more so Audi, will be nigh-on desperate to see a seemingly fresh start bring a fresh set of results on-track, for a team that once dominated Moto GP during the Stoner-era. 
Alongside Dovizioso and Hayden, stood Pramac Racing's new-look rider line up of Ben Spies and Andrea Iannone, as Pramac again launch their season as Ducati's satellite squad. However, for the first time, the team will enjoy full-factory machinery and support throughout 2013... A sure sign that Audi's financial clout and ambition is already beginning to seep through. 
As has been the case for over a decade now, Valentino Rossi remains at the heart of discussion throughout Moto GP, and this season is no different. Having failed to bring success to Ducati, 'Vale46' has moved on to pastures new (or old) at Yamaha, in the team that has bought him 4 of his 7 world titles to date. 
The faltering relationship and consequential divorce between Rossi and Ducati has however left the door open for Dovizioso to straddle the bike of the departed Rossi, in a move that he, Ducati, and the majority of Italy will hope brings about success and race-wins. 
As for Dovizioso's team-mate Hayden, it could well be last-chance saloon. The Kentucky-rider enters his fifth season with Ducati in 2013, and can honestly look back on the past four seasons with limited joy with regards to on-track joy. The former world champion was widely expected to leave the marque after last season, but a will to finish what he initially set out to do with Ducati, has seemingly descended throughout Hayden 
Ducati have all the ingredients to be successful in 2013, but can they overcome the lingering hangover of disastrous 2011-2012 campaigns, and the departure of the sports finest ever rider? Hayden's last hoorah, Dovizioso has a point-to-prove, Audi bring expectation, and everyone knows success at Ducati, is overdue.