Ducati Managing Director Claudio Domenicali was among those who were frustrated when, during his time with Ducati in 2011 and 2012, Valentino Rossi was only able to secure a third place in 2011 at Le Mans (finishing seventh of the World Championship) and two second places in 2012 at Le Mans and Misano (sixth in the world).
The disappointment was great for many fans to see the failure of the association between their greatest champion and their most prestigious brand. The reason, according to Domenicali, was that “It was a technological problem, the bike was designed in such a way that it didn't suit him as a rider. But maybe it was also a human relationship problem. He was already a rock star. We rarely saw him in the racing department here in Borgo Panigale. The relationship never took the right shape and consistency. From all points of view. »
Domenicali, granting this interview to Paolo Bricco for ilsole24ore.com, smiled happily as he took out his phone to show the photo, on Whatsapp, of Andrea Dovizioso: “ Watch here: Dovi with his daughter Sara and his girlfriend Alessandra, riding a black X Diavel. One of our motorcycles. Dovi is a simple guy. He is always there. Come on, maybe next year we will do something better in Moto GP… »
Ducati has a very strong image, although only 10% of a motorcycle leaving from Borgo Panigale is physically produced there. 90% is made up of elements and components from suppliers and subcontractors. “ More, » recalls Domenicali, “ 60% is Italian. We have a sophisticated and compact supply network. Some of our suppliers were born with us and have become very good entrepreneurs. When I go to their companies, I realize what we have brought, with our orders, through the transfer of skills and the sharing of projects and technologies. As an engineer and business manager, I must say that this is a great satisfaction. »
And what are the current feelings about Volkswagen's purchase of Ducati in 2012? “ We feel deeply Emilian*. Here in Bologna there are mechanical and packaging companies that have an industrial culture characterized by engineering and a technological vocation that make this territory very homogeneous, like Bavaria where Ingolstadt is located (editor’s note: Audi headquarters) and Lower Saxony where Wolfsburg is located (editor’s note: Volkswagen headquarters). And we feel deeply Italian. Joining a large integrated group like Volkswagen has significant advantages. Not only for the stability and strength that comes from it, but also for access to the most advanced technology. »
*Resident of the Italian region of Emilia-Romagna, whose capital is Bologna
For the Italian manufacturer, the Grands Prix are important: “ Ducati Corse has a very specific function: in addition to its role for marketing and external projection, it is also an R&D laboratory where the latest techniques are developed. From a technological point of view, » observes Domenicali, “the transfer of skills and solutions is constant, although sometimes the activity outside the MotoGP Team allows a higher level of technology, because in the races there are strict regulatory prohibitions, which do not apply not to the motorcycles that end up in our dealerships. Just think about electronic control and ABS, which are much more advanced on motorcycles intended for the public. »
Photo © Ducati
Source: Paolo Bricco for ilsole24ore.com (recommended reading, of great business and historical interest. Only extracts are published here).
