Ducati quiting wsb

[fatzx10r]

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/sp..._/R-EPI-126395

[DidJit]

Official news item and press release from WSBK.

Something to do with Rossi’s paycheck perhaps? Gotta be hard for a ‘smaller’ manufacturer to have so much tied up in both MotoGP and WSBK, so I guess something had to give. In fact, I think someone said as much in a post somewhere in here when the rumours and speculation about Rossi and Ducati were still flying about.

[MIXONE]

Bugger.One less factory team on the grid.

[onearmedbandit]

They suggested they would do this if they signed Rossi, and a lot of people thought it wouldn't happen, but ha it has.

[Badjelly]

Or so it says an in article on Eurosport that starts:

The increasing superiority of MotoGP over the Superbikes championship was again displayed as Ducati announced they would not run a team in Superbikes from next year.

I wasn't expecting that!

PS: I don't agree that this indicates the "increasing superiority of MotoGP over the Superbikes championship", so don't shoot the messenger.

[pritch]

I can't see where people get the idea that Rossi's pay packet is a factor. It has been reported that he's taking FIAT with him to Ducati as a major sponsor. That should pretty much take care of his wages.

Which leaves Lorenzo and Spies riding Movistar Yamaha next year?

[Crasherfromwayback]

I can't see where people get the idea that Rossi's pay packet is a factor. It has been reported that he's taking FIAT with him to Ducati as a major sponsor. That should pretty much take care of his wages.

Which leaves Lorenzo and Spies riding Movistar Yamaha next year?

That doesn't mean Fiat will be picking up the whole tab. I'd be very surprised indeed if this didn't have something to do with Ducati not being able to afford to do both now they've signed Rossi.

[BMWST?]

That doesn't mean Fiat will be picking up the whole tab. I'd be very surprised indeed if this didn't have something to do with Ducati not being able to afford to do both now they've signed Rossi.

and the fact that the 4 cyl bikes are proving very hard to beat.The writing has been on the wall for a few years now,ever since they derestricted the thousands

[Crasherfromwayback]

and the fact that the 4 cyl bikes are proving very hard to beat.The writing has been on the wall for a few years now,ever since they derestricted the thousands

True too. I'm amazed though, as I think it'll really hurt Ducati sales not being involved in WSB.

How many 916's and 1098's do you think they've sold due to Polen, Fogarty and Bayliss winning races? And it's not as if the owners of the series haven't tried to always make sure the Ducati's could win!

They'd better hope Rossi is worth the money they're paying him. While for sure Rossi and a Ducati is the ultimate 'Italian Dream team', will it sell them many bikes?

I seriously doubt he's got another Moto GP title in him.

[Nutter34]

It'll be interesting to see if Marlboro stay with Ducati (in GP). I was under the impression a LOT of the money for Rossi would be coming from them...

Ducati are just spoilt kids. They've had the rules changed time and again to suit themselves. With Aprillia doing well with somewhat 'special' treatment (gear driven cams being allowed), it seems they've just spat the dummy.
Also, the whole 'going towards prototypes' thing... They would have been involved in that, so they can hardly suddenly use that as an excuse. The now 'Superstock', that's what the whole series was supposed to be based on anyway. How far have they gone from there...

As for lack of pace... They need to sort riders. Bayliss jumped on the bike during Ducati weekend and was quicker than both of them.

I guess Checa will be #1 rider from now on, since they'll still be supporting the satellite teams.

[onearmedbandit]

+1. I have read too that Marlboro insisted they stayed on as a sponsor.

[sosman]

Ducati has won 13 of the 22 titles since the World Superbike Championship began in 1988.
Ducati will not compete in the 2011 World Superbike Championship in a factory-backed capacity, it has been announced.

The Italian manufacturer, the most successful brand in the history of the production-based series, has made the shock decision as part of plans to transfer its resources into product development instead.

As a result, it will scale back its direct involvement in the championship but will continue to provide some support to customer teams.

“This decision is part of a specific strategy made by Ducati, the aim being to further increase technological content in production models that will arrive on the market in the coming years,” said Ducati CEO Gabriele Del Torchio.

“In order to achieve this objective, the company's technical resources, until now engaged with the management of the factory Superbike team, will instead be dedicated to the development of the new generation of hypersport bikes, in both their homologated and Superbike race versions.

“I would like to thank Nori and Michel, and all of the riders that have contributed to the great history of Ducati in Superbike, but above all the Ducati employees; it is their hard work and professionalism that has allowed us to achieve such important results.

“A big thank you also to all of the partners that have supported us, first and foremost Xerox of course. I would also like to acknowledge the Flammini brothers who have managed the championship for so long, and the FIM, the organization with which we have continuous, constructive relations.”

Ducati's official withdrawal will come as a major blow to the World Superbike Championship, not least because of the manufacturer's immense success at this level over the years and marketing pull.

Since 1988, Ducati has won 16 titles, 285 wins and 704 podiums - no other manufacturer can get close to these tallies.

While Ducati has always been well represented by customer teams, not least in 2010 with Carlos Checa leading the factory outfit for Althea Racing, it remains to be seen exactly what support they will offer in 2011.

Nonetheless, Ducati maintains the customer teams will be well looked after.

"The task of testing innovative technical solutions in Superbike racing will therefore be entrusted to external
teams in the coming years, teams that will have the chance to receive technical support from Ducati
personnel.

"This choice will allow the teams to benefit from even more competitive machines and parts."

Ducati's announcement comes as they are on the cusp of losing their manufacturers' crown to Italian rivals Aprilia.

[BIG DOUG]

FUCKING WIMPS,what a cop out just as the playing field becomes level they throw there toys out of the toybox(again),what do they want the capacity raised to 1400cc before they have factory bike's on the grid again.

[CHOPPA]

Gotta pay Rossis wage somehow

[DEATH_INC.]

FUCKING WIMPS,what a cop out just as the playing field becomes level they throw there toys out of the toybox(again),what do they want the capacity raised to 1400cc before they have factory bike's on the grid again.

Exactly wot I reckon too, bunch of pansies.