MotoGP Exclusive interview with Régis Laconi “I'm going to ride the MotoGP Ducati”

Gigi Dall'Igna, the competition director of the Bolognese manufacturer, recently declared on our site : " At Ducati, we treat riders differently ". It's not Régis Laconi who would say the opposite, winner of 11 World Superbike races and vice-World Champion in 2004 behind his teammate James Toseland, and now ambassador for the brand.

Let's start with the good news: Paolo Ciabatti promised you that you would be able to ride the current MotoGP Ducati. That's a real Christmas present, isn't it?

“Yes, I was at the Milan Motor Show for LS2, the helmet brand, and I had the pleasure of learning that Paolo would be there. I've had this in my head for a while for a simple reason. I know very well that today I no longer have the level to be competitive on this type of bike, because it would take a lot of kilometers of riding to achieve that.

“What interests me today is to know the reactions of these bikes because everyone keeps saying that they are very physical. In my opinion, with all the electronics that are available now, it requires less physical capacity to master these war machines. When you see that a MotoGP can go up to 280 horsepower, that's not nothing. It's ultra powerful, we can say that, I think (smile).

“I am also lucid, and without wanting to show the slightest malice towards today's riders, when we see the sizes of most MotoGP riders, and those who are in Moto2 and Moto3 and who will arrive later , there are a lot of very small people – in size and weight – so the machines cannot be as hyper physical as is said, otherwise how would they have the capacity to take them to the maximum, given the power that they have today? »

What do you think of Jorge Lorenzo's two seasons at Ducati?

“I have two visions: The first is that during the first season he took a long time to adapt, which I understand because Ducatis are always different bikes. He had speed over a lap but was unable to last the entire distance of a race. He had the performance, he managed to be fast, but on the other hand he didn't have the consistency. It got much better in 2018.

“But my second vision is that at Mugello, he had barely signed for Honda when, as if by chance, he won his first Grand Prix on a Ducati! It's weird, isn't it? The bike had not changed compared to the GP before. So as it is a sport which is very psychological, it created the difference in the result.

“We talked a lot about small modifications to the tank, but that’s nonsense. The Ducati technicians made these little accessories for the tank and the saddle, without believing it because it doesn't change anything.

“He's a great driver, but when things don't go well he has his moments of weakness, like everyone unfortunately. But when everything goes well he is capable of having a very good season, as he has proven."

What do you think of the Spaniard's replacement by Danilo Petrucci on one of the two official bikes, alongside Andrea Dovizioso?

“Danilo is performing well and he has his place, there is no doubt. He does not have the image of a Lorenzo, nor his track record. So I hope that he will create his list of achievements in 2019. There is no reason why he cannot do it. He has already proven that he is fast, now he has to show that he is capable of performing well in all races and on all circuits, which is important. And this despite its size which is that of the old pilots, a little larger and heavier, without being fat. In 2018, the Ducati was the best bike in my opinion, which can only help Petrucci."

In World Superbike, the Panigale V2 is now replaced by the 1000 V4. Does this seem like a good idea to you? Do you think it will be competitive against Johnny Rea's Kawasaki next season?

“The twin-cylinder was reaching its limits, there is no miracle. Already, having obtained such performances until recently, only Ducati was able to achieve it. The V4 for me is a good choice because it is easy to place it in a frame, which is important. This choice is therefore logical in relation to the brand's experience in MotoGP, where a V4 is used.

“The 1000 V4 is already performing well, that’s for sure. Will they succeed in beating Johnny Rea who is truly an extra-terrestrial on his Kawasaki? This rider, this bike and his team are excellent.

“The driver is important and we will see what the new recruit Alvaro Bautista coming from MotoGP will be able to give. (Editor's note: Dall'Igna knows Alvaro Bautista well with whom he started working in 2006 in 125 cm3 GP with an Aprilia from the Master – MVA Aspar Team, winning the World Championship that year). Ducati has always known how to choose the riders who correspond to its bikes, whether for example Raymond Roche, Carl Fogarty or Troy Bayliss. »

You have been 100% part of the Ducati house for years. What does your role as ambassador consist of, and do you intend to represent the colors of the Italian manufacturer for a long time to come?

“I want it to last a long time with Ducati because for me it’s like a drug. I personally have one for the road. I participate in promotional operations at dealerships. I am important for Ducati and that makes me happy.

“I noticed again during World Ducati Week this year that the Ducatists still remembered me and it brought tears to my eyes! I started crying like a kid because frankly it's so good to see that. I left an important mark even though I was only an official driver for two years, and that makes me very happy. Nothing is more beautiful than this recognition.

“Today I am an ambassador for Ducati, mainly in France. For example, next year there are four days planned on circuits where I will test the Panigale V4s. I think among them there will be a V4 R, but that needs to be finalized. For me Ducati is a brand apart, different from all the others, especially in terms of passion, and I hope that this will continue for many years to come. »