At Ducati, we have always said before the big reveal of the official presentation, that the number to put on the fairings of the World Champions in both MotoGP and WSBK was solely a personal matter and an individual choice of the dedicated riders. Of which note, but in view of the joy of the Borgo Panigale staff in showing the n°1 on the GP23 and on the Panigale V4R, revealing an opportune community of spirit linking Pecco Bagnaia and Alvaro Bautista, we must believe that we would have been extremely disappointed at Ducati Corse if it had been otherwise. Sports director Paolo Ciabatti talks about it, recognizing that this number is both a symbol and a heavy responsibility...
« It's a great feeling to be number one again in WSBK and also in MotoGP and a challenge to keep him on the fairing next year »… It is with his strong words that Paolo ciabatti welcomed the new plates which will be placed in front of the fairing of its red machines, both in MotoGP and in WSBK. Of Madonna di Campiglio, the Bolognese manufacturer thus marked its territory by reaffirming that it was the leader to seek in 2023, in the two major categories of motorcycle speed: “ the number 1 means you are the champion and for the first time Ducati managed to win the World Championship in MotoGP and WSBK » underlined the sports director on GP One.
“I think many expected to see this number on both bikes and for us it is a strong message, that's why we called the event "Champions on the Track" and we will try to keep the 1 in the coming seasons » explained the Italian during the presentation to Madonna Di Campiglio.
At Ducati we also hold its riders accountable for their responsibilities, the proof
However, this responsibility of being the reigning World Champion must be shared by everyone. Currently, the WSBK is making its return to the 2023 vintage with the two days of testing in Jerez. And Ciabatta has a clear message for the teammate of the crowned Alvaro Bautista : " Michael Rinaldi has been in the Top 5 17 times and now we expect him to be able to take a small step forward and get on the podium ».
Its roadmap is even established: “ fighting for podiums and victories is what is expected of a factory rider. It won't be easy because the level is very high and in the last three seasons it is the usual three who fought for victory in 90% of cases, while their teammates fought for fourth position. But the bike is the same, so if your partner is a world champion, you have to work on yourself, gain confidence and find the right speed ».
Paolo ciabatti closes this WSBK chapter with this mention which will be enough to give the buzz to its adversaries: “ we have approved a new model for this season, which is an evolution of the V4R, which proved very competitive last year. We have developed a road model to cope with the homologation procedure and introduce some small modifications which we hope will improve the bike ».
The Panigale V4R already dominated its subject last year. We are therefore waiting to see what the 2023 model will give in the hands ofAlvaro Bautista apparently at the top of his game: “ I think Alvaro is very relaxed and confident. He is 38 years old and I think he has reached the best moment of his career and he is very happy even at home with his daughters " finished Paolo ciabatti. “ He'll definitely feel the pressure, but knowing him, I don't think he'll be worried. He will be ready to fight like last year, to keep number 1 in 2024 as well ". Yes but with whom? Because his contract ends at the end of 2023, like that of Toprak Razgatlioglu.
