Disclaimer :
Unlike the vast majority of articles on our site, this new section does not only report information, it leaves a certain freedom, even a certain freedom, to the thoughts of its author accustomed to the literary world who will publish under the pseudonym Vernon Stoner .
Here, we relate, of course, but we also extrapolate, we speculate, we construct, in short, we discuss and exchange!
You have the right to respond in comments, to correct, to proclaim your indignation, or, at worst, if it really gives you heartburn, to change the section...
Are you still there? Little curious people, go… Come on, gaaazzzz!
By Nicolas Pascual & Vernon Stoner
Ducati, 100% fresh flesh
Team Ducati Lenovo Team, emblematic, will be able to count on a completely renewed line-up in 2021. This will perhaps erase the years of disillusionment at the highest level since 2008.
Ducati did not always play the first places. The story begins well, with a Loris Capirossi surprisingly fast from 2003. Unfortunately, thereafter, the firm stagnated until the signing of the prodigy Casey Stoner in 2007. Arrived from LCR-Honda, the Australian breaks the house as soon as he arrives. He won the title in his first year with the reds, with the constructor's crown as a bonus. A true tour de force, without a doubt the greatest moment in the team's history.
The seasons that follow are much less cheerful. In complete decline in terms of development, Ducati cannot compete with Yamaha et Honda, the most serious competitors. Stoner, which limited the damage as much as possible with good performances, slammed the door at the end of 2010. ducati achieves a marketing masterstroke by replacing it with Valentino Rossi for two seasons.
Credit: Michelin Motorsport
Arriving with great fanfare, the living legend disappoints the majority of observers. In 2013, Rossi preferred to join the house Yamaha after two long years without victories. Andrea Dovizioso takes the place, which he will keep until 2020. Many have broken their teeth on the beautiful red (let's not return to the Cal Crutchlow episode), while "Desmodovi" comes out with the honors of a multiple vice-world champion.
The Italian managed to put Ducati on the right path (without ever achieving the title), but the developments are also the fruit of the work of Luigi Dall'Igna et Paolo Ciabatti.
Credit: Michelin Motorsport
But exit Dovi and Petrux, make way for two young people who have the knife between their teeth. Jack Miller has been eyeing the starting spot for a while and he will do everything to prove that he deserves it. Like many pilots, Miller lack of consistency to hope to be crowned. Perhaps finally being part of the factory team will trigger some wise changes in the fiery Australian? There is great potential in Miller, it remains to know how to use it wisely.
Pecco Bagnaia will have pressure. We know that Ducati hesitated for a long time between him and zarco... The Reds' policy can sometimes be hasty and we must not delay before finding the path to the podium for the Italian. Last season was mixed, between seed of champion and gravel trap. Hopefully Pecco will be able to take it to the next level.
Credit: Michelin Motorsport
Who to make Dovi forget? Pecco or Jack? Ducati on the way to a second title, or off year? Leave us your predictions for the 2021 Red season in the comments. We'll talk about it again in a few months!
Nicholas & Vernon