The Ducati paradox, capable of winning on all tracks but late in the rider championship

Expected to be the manufacturer to be defeated at the start of the season, Ducati blew hot and cold in this first part of the season. With 8 riders entered this season between Ducati Lenovo, Mooney VR46 Racing, Pramac Racing and Gresini Racing, the Italian manufacturer expected to be closer in the championship at the summer break. But less than two weeks before the resumption, the closest contender for the title is Johann Zarco at Pramac with 58 points behind fabio quartararo.

« As manufacturers, obviously we can be only satisfied because out of 11 races we won 6, with 8 pole positions too, always a Ducati rider on the podium and on the first row so it's a good result as a score and we dominate the constructor's championship by 49 points », summarizes Paolo Ciabatti, Ducati Sporting Director.

But for having conceded so much delay in the championship, the Italian manufacturer also experienced difficult Grands Prix. Like the double retirement of Jack Miller and Fabio Quartararo in Qatar. “ It is certain that we lack a little consistency with our drivers. For the moment we are 3rd with Johann Zarco at Pramac, 5th with Enea Bastianini at Gresini and 4th and 7th with Peco Bagnaia and Jack Miller. So obviously we cannot be satisfied, but we have shown that we can be competitive on all tracks, even on circuits where Ducati normally had difficulties. », Analyzes the Ducati sporting director.

A lack of regularity which costs Ducati dearly

If Francesco Bagnaia must still be considered a title contender, the Italian has had a complicated period with repeated falls. In Germany, after having achieved pole position, the Ducati rider made a mistake alone at the start of the race. “ His accident on the 3rd lap was obviously very disappointing for him and us because now we have little chance of being able to fight for the championship. Obviously we are going to fight but with the level of consistency of Fabio and that of Aleix Espargaro too it will be difficult to catch them », Points out Paolo Ciabatti.

Even if the situation is off to a bad start, no one wants to give up yet within the Italian manufacturer. “ Nothing is lost as long as it can still be done mathematically., recalls the Ducati manager. So we will try to get as many points as possible, win races, get podiums and hope to no longer have zero points. » By proving that their bike is capable of winning on any track on the calendar, the leader in the manufacturers' championship can still hope to triumph in Valencia. But to do so, they will have to capitalize on every error from Fabio Quartararo as they did at Assen.

The Jack Miller case 

Beyond the title, the Ducati Lenovo Team also intends to finish the collaboration with Jack Miller in the best possible way. The Australian driver will join the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing. “ We've been together for 5 years, we all know he's a talented driver. Maybe he lacked a bit of consistency during his career but it looks like he found something that makes him more comfortable on the bike after the Barcelona test », underlines Paolo Ciabatti. There are now 9 rounds left on the calendar for Ducati to catch up on Aleix Espargaro and Fabio Quartararo and it starts with Silverstone on August 7.

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