The first part of the Ducati factory season was marked by frustration and disappointment. Good results seemed within reach or even acquired before errors and racing circumstances plunged the reds into disillusionment. The greatest was experienced in Argentina. A deadline which left its mark and sealed the fate of Andrea Iannone.
If we had any doubts on the subject, Paolo ciabatti dispelled them during an interview on crash.net. What happened in Argentina between the two factory drivers guaranteed to get on the podium before a collective suicide in view of the checkered flag: “ for the whole team, what we saw was something we couldn't believe » remembers the man from the pits. “ These are things that happen and they happen on other teams. When it happens at the start, it's disappointing but two corners from the goal, when second and third positions are acquired, the feeling is even worse. The disillusionment was great and it was difficult to accept and digest. This is the deepest disappointment we have experienced in years. ».
We will recall the facts: a hussar attack from Iannone on the teammate Dovizioso ended with a collision which eliminated the two official Ducatis which presented themselves in front of the checkered flag of the Argentine Grand Prix: “ but hey it happens and we have to make sure that it doesn't happen again. In Argentina, we opted for good strategies, we had a good race and we were preparing to enjoy the second podium of the season. But everything fell apart ».
He pursues : " the mechanics work hard for the drivers, and having two drivers on a podium is a victory for the whole team. There we didn't celebrate anything at all and we packed our bags for Europe in this heavy atmosphere. We spoke with the pilots. We didn't blame anyone but we were clear that Ducati came first. A good result for Ducati was more important than a good individual ranking. We got the message across ».
Since, Iannone et Dovizioso stayed away from each other. But from Argentina, Ducati is looking for its good result: “ we had an opportunity to win in Qatar, we had possibilities at Mugello, Le Mans and Assen Petrucci started well then Dovi crashed shortly after Rossi while both drivers were above the rest. We were able to win a Grand Prix. But to date, this has still not been done. We have to do it in the second part of the season. We will have opportunities ". Starting next weekend in Austria on a Red Bull Ring which proved to be a playground for Desmosedici during preliminary tests: “ for the moment, it is a rider on a private Ducati who is the best representative of the brand. It's good for this team, but it's a shame for us ". Needless to say, this cannot last!
