MOTOPROGP

As the factory waits for Rossi, the Ducati boss Gabriele Del Torchio reveals some details behind the deal.
“It's a long story – the manager began – with the most important period coming in July, and the conclusion coming in August with the signing. We are already feeling the added pressure, but it is still a little early to start talking about 2011, as there are eight races left in this season. It will be a fantastic challenge though, because both Ducati and Rossi were seeking one another out. If we had to describe what Ducati is all about, a factory that is much smaller than the others, the best word would be "passion." It's thanks to passion that two Italian icons have united. The man maintaining contact with Rossi was Filippo Preziosi. He was the key to the agreement, and he played such an important role because he and Rossi have like minded personalities, and so they understand each other well. Then the negotiations obviously went forward with Alessandro Cicognani and Vittoriano Guareschi, under my supervision. I was very taken with Valentino's humanity. Believe me, it wasn't a question of money. The financial aspect is important, but it isn't everything. Rossi signed a two year binding contract with us, so it isn't like he can leave to go driver for Ferrari. We know that he would like to try a Superbike, and we are happy to have him do that, but we also think he will be busy enough with MotoGP. In any case, Ducati will continue racing in WSBK, which is a series we have always believed in. The two race departments, MotoGP and WSBK, are separate and autonomous. Obviously the resources and commitment to MotoGP will increase: thanks also to our sponsors and to Investindustrial, who owns a majority share in Ducati, we will have the budget that we need."
The declared goal is the world championship.

“We signed a two year deal for this reason. Two years are enough to get to know each other well, then we will see. The team structure will not change. The team members? That is something we will decide in the future."
In reality the decision is nearly finalized: Valentino Rossi will arrive with his trusted crew chief Jeremy Burgess and his team. Davide Brivio will also come along, to act as Rossi's personal manager. Or something of the sort. In any case, the Ducati will remain red!
“Absolutely. We will have to see about the details, and of course it will have the number 46! There are still a lot of small things to finalize. There will be some compromises even concerning Rossi's commitments, and compromises from both sides."
Naturally Rossi will be playing a large role in development.
“Obviously Valentino has incredible experience, and he has ridden for Honda and Yamaha – Guareschi explained – but we have already began work on the GP11, even if we expect a lot of help from Rossi. I think we have a lot of work ahead of us!"
It also remains to be seen how the hardcore ducatisti will react to the signing. Del Torchio is aware of this.
“We are monitoring some blogs on the internet. I am curious about it, but I think the reception will be great."
And finally there is one more thing that Del Torchio wanted to say about the symbolic nature of this agreement.
“It is often said that Italy is in trouble and needs to turn things around. This is an example of that happening. When Ducati has presented bikes in the Italian colors, the reception has always been fantastic."

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Thursday, August 19, 2010

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