In the first part of our interview, Paolo ciabatti spoke to us about his management of Ducati riders throughout his career. The Italian also admits he will miss MotoGP and hopes the door will be left open for him if he ever wants to return.
You were like a firewall between the pilots and the engineers…
“Yes, I was trying to transfer a little of the human aspect to the engineers. I think engineers have learned to understand that the driver is not a machine, but a human being. Everyone tells me I'm a diplomat, so I think in some moments I played an important role in making both sides understand what was happening without confronting each other. »
How does Mauro behave in this regard?
“I think he’s good. He is someone who has learned a lot over the years. We are different, like everyone, he will have his own style of leadership. But I think he will do very well. »
“For Ducati, having a team in Japan was a unique opportunity. »
I heard you talk about the “Suzuka 8 Hours”: can you explain what the approach was?
“Yes, it’s very clear. I have known Yukio Kagayama for years; we have always had very good relations. When I saw that he had competed in the 'Suzuka 8 Hours' and they had come third, it was very funny to see that they had achieved an important result. Last year they contacted me and we met in Motegi. I think after Suzuki withdrew they thought Ducati was the only solution and so they didn't think about another Japanese manufacturer, because their whole life was spent with Suzuki.
Personally, I liked the idea, because for Ducati, having a team in Japan, a super professional team with a lot of experience, and which has the support of Bridgestone… it's a unique opportunity. I spoke with Gigi [Dall'Igna] and we reached an agreement. They will use the factory bikes from last season. They went to Ducati last week, they will be in Jerez to work with the team engineers, and we will try to help them develop some details. It's a good thing for Ducati to have a serious base in Japan. »
It’s a challenge because Japan is far away both physically and in the way of working…
“Yes, Yukio is Japanese but he has worked with teams based in Europe. So it's a good mix of Japanese who know how international teams work. I can't wait to see what he can do. We know it's difficult, but I hope Ducati will be welcome. Honestly, I think this year it's more about doing well and gaining experience. »
“Sometimes we're comfortable in one situation, but we're excited to do something different. »
Concerning the Motocross project, I thought it was to bring you closer to the American market; but you explained that it was also to attract young people to the Ducati brand; Are both things worth it?
“Yes, both things. The number one American market. But it is also the possibility of focusing on young people who can enter the Ducati family with the Desmo450 MX and one day buy something else from Ducati. »
Finally, what a year 2023 is! Has this been the most difficult season?
“On the one hand, no, because when you are sure of winning the world championship, it's a good problem to deal with. When Binder couldn't win anymore, there was Pecco [Bagnaia], Jorge [Martin] and Marco [Bezzecchi]. Ducati was going to be world rider champion. Then there was the constructors' championship. The ending was quite complicated because Pecco and Jorge were very competitive. It's a good problem, but you have to take a lot of aspirin because you know you won, but you still don't know which driver. »
Will you miss MotoGP?
“I think so, a little. It's natural. But when I want to come back, I hope I will have a “pass” to come back. »
It's a different environment, which gives you energy, right?
" It's true. I think sometimes we are comfortable in a situation, but we also want to do something different, where we are likely to make a difference with our management. »
You can watch the full interview here:
