At Ducati we have often associated the evolution curve of the WSBK project with that of MotoGP. A parallel which is explained all the more since the arrival of the Panigale V4R whose base is a Grand Prix Desmosedici. But while the GP21 plays the terrors, we do not see the same level of form in the machine from the series. Would the success of the MotoGP project ultimately be a problem for the WSBK team? Technical director Marco Zambenedetti responds.
Ducati Did he concentrate his forces on MotoGP to such an extent that the department mobilized in WSBK would have suffered? It is clear that the firepower of the Red Army causes damage in Grands Prix while in Superbikes, it allows battles to be won, but not wars. An evaluation that is not to the taste of the technical director Marco Zambenedetti who wanted to give his opinion on the question: “ there is no connection “, he explains in an exclusive interview with “Motorsport-Total.com“. “ To be honest, I am happy with the success in MotoGP. This success will also help us develop the machine ».
« We work closely together he insists. " We definitely don't have as big a budget here as other manufacturers. But I am sure that we have the best way of working and we can analyze the situation better. This can be attributed to our experience in MotoGP ", precise Zambenedetti. However, the resounding arrival of the Panigale V4R in 2019 foreshadowed an era of domination, before it fell into line.
In 2020, Redding à Chaz Davies, the Italian motorcycle was less conquering while last year, it was not spared from the criticism coming from its own riders. Nearly three years later, the V4 superbike from Ducati still has no title. The first consequence was the recorded return of Baptist in the walls… But Zambenedetti also recalls the particular context of the health crisis, as if to better de-dramatize the subject…
Ducati: “there were people who lost their lives during this periodE"
« The bike is of course not identical to the one from 2020. Sometimes the differences are not so obvious ", said the Italian. “ But I have to say that we were able to make a big step from 2019 to 2020. A few small areas remained open that could be improved. Sometimes, it is difficult for pilots to correctly assess the difficulty of the effort accomplished. Sometimes you try different things that don't give you the results you hoped for ».
« Moreover, it is clear that conditions have changed for everyone », he adds about the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic. “ In Europe, people have had to work from home for a long time. There were also budget cuts. On the one hand, we can be happy to continue to be part of this show. At this point we have Dorna to thank. On the other hand, we must realize that there have been other areas that have not been as lucky as us ».
« In MotoGP, engine development was frozen for a year. There were people who lost their lives during this period. And, to put it exaggeratedly, we only play with motorcycles ", ended Zambenedetti.
