At Ducati, we don't joke with the brand image of a technologically advanced manufacturer. A reputation which has been so established in MotoGP that its five other competitors, Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, KTM and Aprilia, have organized themselves to influence the evolution of regulations which, in the future, will avoid " further performance improvements and development cost increases ". Internally, doubts and criticisms about this constant march forward must be treated with the greatest discretion, so much so that the annoyance of a Pecco Bagnaia at the start of the season over tests in the middle of a Grand Prix to be carried out on a GP22 still green, although red, was not appreciated by everyone in the place. Boss Claudio Domenicali is laying the foundations before the start of the European Grand Prix season, which will take place this weekend in Portugal.
The MotoGP season Ducati did not start as planned. At the end of 2021, everyone was in awe of the technological advancement of a GP21 with which Pecco Bagnaia had developed such a bond that he was announced as the big favorite for the upcoming competition. Especially since a GP22, promised to be even stronger, was on the horizon. However, after four Grands Prix already contested, the vice-world champion is 12th in the ranking, 38 points from the top, while the GP22 seems to have some teething problems. On the other hand, last year's version is in charge, with Enea Bastianini, who in this first phase showed himself full of authority with two victories. One from the opening in Qatar, and the last in Austin.
A scenario which did not fail to provoke certain harsh comments internally, starting with the big loser Pecco Bagnaia already at the end of his nerves. The Italian openly criticized the working method, casting doubt on its legitimacy. At the house of Ducati, thus attacking the discernment of the great commander Gigi Dall'Igna is always dangerous. But we have officially been lenient at Borgo Panigale for the one we had just signed until 2024. However, we do not forget…
A developed memory that we find in the words of the CEO of the brand, Claudio Domenicali, found on Todocircuito : " often you need an adaptation phase, but if you immediately throw away something new, you may throw away something good because you're not used to it » he said. Then he elaborates: “ before it cost us more because some pilots had prejudices. Instead, you need the willingness to persevere and experiment. Today there is a magical alchemy of fast drivers who trust the engineers. And the engineers listen to what they are told » says Domenicali who adds: “ Gone are the days when drivers threw their helmets against the wall when entering the pits ».
« Ducati is a bit like Ferrari in Formula 1«
Serenity and confidence must be displayed all the more as it is a strategic question: “ our brand has its own history, it is very solid and it is a brand with which Italians identify. And I'm not just talking about sports but also about technology. It's a bit like Ferrari in Formula 1 ". NOW, Pecco Bagnaia comes from the VR46 Academy and the team of the same VR46 coat of arms is equipped with Desmosedici including the GP22 of Marini was lagging behind in Austin. Could there be a curse with Valentino Rossi, whose time as a pilot did not leave any great memories?
Claudio Domenicali responds, with the desire to break this bad synergy with Tavullia that the events and their interpretations put in place: “ I believe Valentino is irreplaceable, he is a unique person who embodied a combination of talent, determination, results and sympathy. The Ducati of today is very different from the one he rode for two years. I think it would have been competitive with the 2021 bike. We don't regret running together, we were at a time when we weren't meant for each other. The bike at the time was very developed for Casey Stoner and it was very difficult for a rider used to a more balanced behavior ". This weekend, in Portimao, Ducati will seek great results to put everything in its place.
