Neuchâtel (Switzerland), January 18, 2019: The Mission Winnow Ducati team, which will participate in the 2019 MotoGP World Championship, was presented today at the famous Cube, the Research and Development center of Philip Morris International, in the Swiss city bordering the lake.
The pilots Andrea Dovizioso et Danilo Petrucci unveiled the all-new Desmosedici GP19 in its attractive red livery in front of an international audience of media, guests, sponsors and partners. Everything is now set for an exciting new season, with the first of 19 races scheduled for March 10 in Qatar. In two weeks, Dovizioso and Petrucci will resume testing with the Desmosedici GP19 in Sepang (Malaysia).
Miroslaw Zielinski, President of PMI, Science and Innovation, welcomed the participants: “Mission Winnow is about driving change by constantly seeking better ways of doing things. Ducati is one of the most inspired and consistent brands in MotoGP, with 70 years of racing history. The team's determination to do better in every race, to think unconventionally and to continually push the boundaries of technology exemplifies Mission Winnow. »
Claudio Domenicali, CEO of Ducati Motor Holding, added: “Racing has always been part of Ducati’s DNA. The solutions and expertise acquired on the circuit represent an asset directly linked to our product range, and the MotoGP project is crucial for us to produce models that are better performing, more exciting and safer to ride for all our enthusiasts. Looking back, we can be proud of the results achieved in 2018, because our Desmosedici GP proved to be one of the most competitive bikes, but we cannot be satisfied with this result and we want to take another step in before decisive. I believe that our know-how and the spirit that characterizes the people of Ducati Corse are added value compared to our competitors. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the partners who support us in this new challenge in MotoGP, including Audi Sport, which will be the main sponsor from this season, and to wish the entire Mission Winnow Ducati team a unforgettable season. »
Luigi Dall'Igna, General Manager of Ducati Corse: “2018 was another important season for us in MotoGP, a season which saw us progress and improve for the fourth consecutive season, both technically and sportingly. We were very competitive even on circuits that have traditionally been difficult for us, and overall we achieved more wins and podiums compared to 2017. However, our direct competitors also improved. We must do better and progress further than we have done in recent years, bringing new ideas and developments covering all possible areas. With Andrea and Danilo, we are confident that we have the right team to optimize resources for the development of the motorcycle. Our goals must be ambitious, as always, and we want to bring the MotoGP title back to Borgo Panigale. »
Andrea Dovizioso (#04, Mission Winnow Ducati): “2018 was a very positive year for me. We started with a victory and, although we had our ups and downs, the difficulties pushed us to look in new directions and we took a big step forward in the middle of the season. I am very happy with the work done with the team, we fought for victory throughout the second half of the championship and I think we will make even more improvements in the next tests to start the season. best possible way. Expectations are high, I have a good feeling with the bike and my team, and we can count on greater experience. I'm happy to have Danilo by my side in the box, we know each other well and I believe we can fight on the track but also work together to develop the package. »
Danilo Petrucci (#9, Ducati Mission Winnow): “Last season was very important for me, my best season in terms of points scored. Although I narrowly missed my goal of finishing first among independent drivers, I still ended 2018 on a definitely positive note. I'm very proud to race in the factory colors and I can't wait to get started: I have a very good feeling with my new team, and the technical level is higher than ever. As for me, I know where I can still improve and I have changed my training program to ensure I am in my best physical shape from the first race. I am very happy to team up with Andrea: not only is he a phenomenal driver, but he is also a wonderful person. We have known each other for a long time and we started training together with one goal: to both have a very strong season. »
The Mission Winnow Ducati team will soon leave for Malaysia where, from February 6 to 9 in Sepang, the first pre-season tests will take place.
Paddock-GP translation
