Paolo Ciabatti is the sporting director of a Ducati factory which has never been so close to succeeding in its long quest for a second riders' world title, which began in 2007. At that time the Holy Grail was brought by Casey Stoner and the consecration did not then highlight the work of Gigi Dall'Igna who was still at Aprilia. In 2022, it is this era that could be brought to the firmament on the evening of the Valencia Grand Prix. However, between the debate on team instructions and the discovery of a Pecco Bagnaia whose recognition and legitimacy do not seem to flow naturally, despite results that are at least convincing, the executives of Ducati Corse seem forced to go up to slot to simply recall the facts, so that the celebration that is being prepared is not spoiled…
And thus creating a bubble around your fellow pilot is also pointing out the workings of an era where the phenomenon of social networks must be taken into account. A point on which Paolo ciabatti particularly focuses on: “ Pecco's figures are unequivocal, only those who are incompetent or in bad faith can call them into question and you shouldn't be interested in these people he says. " You don't have to worry about it, but watch and pass. Numbers shut everyone's mouths, even those who make conspiracies that don't really make sense ».
He adds : " they are simply “ haters ”, but they can hurt a lot. If we cannot distance ourselves from these unjustified comments, which come from social networks and certain media, we risk being injured ". And the Italian even has an example to give: “ Quartararo also came under pressure, so much so that he took a few weeks off from social media. It can be very annoying for a pilot that there are detractors whatever he does, but you have to understand that this is today's world ».
Paolo Ciabatti: “ Yamaha also signals to its riders when they have Quartararo behind, it's legitimate«
And it is in this particular context that the question of team instructions developed, which is causing just as much anger Paolo ciabatti : " no one gave anything to Pecco, not even the Ducati riders. The “haters” are there, some because they see Valentino Rossi in him. We all know that he is a driver with enormous talent and who knows how to recognize his mistakes, I saw him extremely determined and also capable of settling for 3rd place, as happened at Phillip Island where he could earn. He also added to his unquestionable speed the maturity and coldness necessary to handle the most important situations, as happened in Sepang ».
He also mentions GP One : " In my opinion, we have talked about it inappropriately: it is right that each manufacturer reminds its drivers to avoid making risky maneuvers among themselves. Moreover, in Australia this had been reported to both Darryn Binder and Crutchlow when Fabio was behind them and it did not seem illegitimate to me. It is in the logic of motorcycle sport to warn when, behind, there is a rider who is playing for the World Championship and not just any rival ».
Things finalized for 2022, Paolo Ciabatti anticipates what awaits it for 2023: cohabitation between the two Italians Pecco Bagnaia et Enea Bastianini... " We will see the better team on paper in 2023 based on the results both have achieved this year. It's a dream team, with all the complications of the affair. Both are Italian and very fast and neither of them will want to be second to the other. But if it's a big problem to solve, I think a lot of rivals would like to have it ».
