Italy is the country most severely affected by the coronavirus in Europe. On February 21, there were only 200 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Italy, while now there are 86. And a total of 498 people have died, so far.
The Ducati Sports Director, Paolo ciabatti, lives at the epicenter of the virus catastrophe. He can no longer imagine a scenario where races could be held in June or even July.
Paolo, the entire motorsport community is concerned about the question: when will we see World Championship races again? The situation is getting worse day by day at the moment. Is there light at the end of the tunnel in Italy? Pit Beirer thinks that the first races could perhaps be held in July, perhaps later.
“Based on a best-case scenario, I agree with Pit. »
But the main motorsport countries, Italy, Spain and France, are the most affected. Won’t something like normality return just as quickly? This also applies to German-speaking countries and the rest of Europe, which plays a role in motorsport.
“It’s not just a question of when governments and authorities will allow events with 100 spectators again. »
“When will people from countries that are not affected at all be allowed to travel to countries that currently have large numbers of infected people? »
“I take the example of China. China only reopened its borders two days ago, but only to Chinese citizens. Therefore, no foreigner can enter China. Because they have almost eliminated the virus and do not want to take the risk of new infections. »
“This is the situation just three months after the Covid-19 outbreak became known. And furthermore, they applied autocratic and military measures which are unthinkable in our country. »
“In Europe, the virus has spread at different speeds depending on the country. So there will be countries here that will gradually reach the peak of the infection wave and hopefully soon stem the spread of the virus. »
“At the moment we are very affected. Worse than most other countries. But the last thing we want: For the virus to be reintroduced at some point, if we can get rid of it before then, in the foreseeable future.
“So I think if we can get out of this dilemma in June or July and, shortly after, be able to start motorsport again, it would be a miracle. »
How many people are employed at Ducati Corse?
“Just over 110, plus team members who are only signed for testing and racing. »
We must also be prepared for the fact that risky sports will then not be the most pressing concern of the authorities. And every motorcycle-related business must first get its core business back on track?
“Yes, of course, racing is a very useful marketing tool when the parent company is healthy. »
“At the moment, of course, all companies here in Europe are strongly affected by the crisis. Production was stopped. The motorcycle sellers have the motorcycles in the stores, but they had to close. In Italy, no one is allowed to ride motorcycles, no one is allowed to go out and buy motorcycles. »
“Racing is very important for a brand like Ducati. But health is even more important, not only for people, but also for a production company like Ducati. »
“This is why the health of Ducati Motor must be our greatest concern. »
Source: Speedweek. com
Photos © Ducati
