It was not his first choice but Tito Rabat decided on it, then, finally, became interested in this WSBK which he watched from afar as a MotoGP rider. Moto2 World Champion in 2014, the Spaniard subsequently experienced, according to his own admission, more frustrations than satisfactions in a category which was his ultimate goal. Having the feeling of being the stooge who pays his way, Rabat examined his conscience and saw this WSBK as an opportunity to relaunch himself sportingly. Armed with this experience, he will not make the same mistakes as in MotoGP and he prefers to tell his new team that straight away...
Tito Rabat, riding a WSBK wants to return to being a driver who strives for podiums, victories and gets involved in the title race. Sensations that he lost sight of Ducati Desmosedici but which he can find on a Panigale V4R. Because the Borgo Panigale brand does not abandon it. “ I'm happy and motivated and can't wait to see what happens “, declared the 31-year-old pilot to the site World SBK. " For me, the Superbike World Championship is a new opportunity to fight at the top, feel the adrenaline and have the feeling of being able to achieve great things ».
Rabat will have a Ducati 99% identical to the factory bike
But to achieve great things, you need a good motorcycle. On this point, a moral contract has been established with his new team Barni. It is summarized with this intervention from the boss Marco Barnabo : " he only wants good material, otherwise he has no wishes ". And he specifies: “ we have the 2021 bike. It will be 99% identical to the factory bike. I'm sure Tito will have everything. We will work hard to succeed ».
And indeed, the team decided to return to suspensions Öhlins, even if this choice was anything but attractive from a financial point of view. Instead of an exhaust system from Akrapovic, a system from SC-Project is installed on the Barni-Ducati. The customer team is also experimenting with components from TK Dischi Freno to improve aerodynamics in the area of brake discs. With this package, optimal results should be possible.
« If I show the team that I can win races and fight at the top, they will give me all the equipment I need to stay in the lead ", said Rabat, taking the Barni team at their word. “ I want to take one step at a time. The biggest step comes with the little details and I want to do all the steps before the first race ". Unfortunately, the Jerez test on January 20 and 21 literally fell through. Tito Rabat has therefore not yet made his debut on the Barni Ducati.
« I get along well with the people on the team. The team has a great passion for racing. I can't say more because I haven't been able to drive yet. But the feeling is good »Says Rabat who concludes thus: “ I'm motivated. I will give everything ". It will be recalled that the Panigale V4R has already relaunched the careers of Baptist and Redding the last two seasons. Rabat is therefore also expected around the corner.
