The Desmosedici GPs hit the track at the Twin Ring in Motegi

First stage will be in the "enemy's lair", in that Motegi that 12 years ago gave the title to Casey Stoner and Ducati. A fast track requiring sudden braking and violent accelerations, and therefore well suited to the features of the Desmosedici GP. 

After his fourth-place finish in Buriram, Andrea Dovizioso is on his way to Motegi looking for a re-match. In fact at last year's race Dovi was engaged in a hard-fought battle for the lead when he slipped with just two laps to go. Now that the title's been clinched, Andrea will do everything he can to solidify his second position in the championship 

Danilo Petrucci arrives in Japan after showing some signs of having found his footing once again in Thailand. In his qualification runs the Umbrian driver seems to have returned to the speeds of the early part of the season and it's hoped that on the Japanese circuit Danilo can finally make his way back into the group of the fastest riders in the race as well. 

Even though the riders of the Ducati Team will be racing in the Land of the Rising Sun, they will still be able to rely on the support of the many local Ducatistas who will fill the Ducati Grandstand at Motegi. Since Ducati's MotoGP debut in Suzuka in 2003, the red grandstand has always been a fixture at the Japanese race, a beautiful sight to see.