It's not just in MotoGP where Ducati wants to improve its track record. Thus, if in Grand Prix it is a question of succeeding Casey Stoner in 2007, in WSBK, it is necessary to follow Carlos Checa in 2011. Alvaro Bautiste, 37 years old, was recruited again for this after a first failed attempt in 2019. But the Panigale V4R is still there and its 2022 war paintjobs have been presented…
Ducati has been waiting to win a world title since 2011 in the WSBK category. In 2022, the Aruba team will send Alvaro Bautista et Michael Rinaldi are doing for this conquest while in Supersport Nicholas Bulega will take care of writing in golden letters the emerging history of the Panigale V2...
Alvaro Bautista therefore returns to the Aruba factory team, which won 16 races for the Bologna manufacturer in 2019, obtained 24 podiums and was vice-world champion behind Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki). His teammate is Michael Ruben Rinaldi, who drove for the northern Italian team last year and finished fifth in the world championship will be alongside him. For the first time in many years, Ducati is also back in the Supersport category, with the Aruba team fielding the former Moto2 rider Nicholas Bulega.
Ducati presents its Panigale
« I am very happy to be back in this fantastic team" , said Baptist during the virtual presentation. “ Here I feel like I'm part of a family, being able to work with the people of 2019 is of paramount importance to me. I immediately had a very positive feeling about the Panigale V4R again. The bike is now even more balanced than the one I left behind. With such a competitive team and bike, the goal is obviously to fight for the title. I now have more experience, I know the tires and the race format better, but it will be crucial to learn from the mistakes of three years ago."
« I have been part of the Aruba family for many years, but this will be my second year on the Superbike team" , added Rinaldi. " Now is the time to reap the fruits of our labor. It won't be easy because the competition is very high. But I believe that the years gone by ensure that a good foundation is created. It will be a very important championship for me and for the team, my sporting future can depend on the coming season. I am sure we can achieve favorable results ».
