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Who knows whether, after many green years, the SBK can once again be painted red. Ducati has the possibility of doing just that: the Panigale is now a fully mature bike and Chaz Davies has proved, during 2016, that he and 'her' are a winning pair.
The most winning, we could see, considering the race results, despite these not being enough to secure the title - which is this year's goal.
“The end of 2016 was the perfect launch pad for 2017, we know that the bike's level is very, very high, not only in terms of performance but also with regard to my confidence - confirms the Welshman - I can push hard when I want and know exactly what will happen, which is very important".
Up against the 4-cylinders, what the Panigale's weak point?
“It can be a little difficult as a bike, but it depends on the track. At others, the more flowing ones, we are at an advantage. All of the bikes and pros and cons”.
What worries you more: the Kawasakis or a fast team-mate like Melandri?
“Both Marco and I have to watch out for the Kawasakis, they have a new bike this year and their goal is to win the championship again. We have the responsibility to react, the technicians with the development of the bike and me in terms of growing as a rider. We need to be 100%, from the outside the Kawasakis appear strong, but I don't think you've seen our full 2017 package yet, we still have parts to test and are still growing”.
Bradl tells us that SBK is almost like MotoGP, but is just missing riders like Marquez and Valentino. Do you agree?
“It's not my opinion but he has raced a lot in MotoGP while I only did a few races many years ago. So it's difficult for me to say, but from the outside, having a name like Valentino could make the difference, he has so many fans. I also know the level of the riders in SBK is very high”.
Last year Stoner was meant to test the Panigale and you the Desmosedici, are there any plans to this effect?
“We're talking about it, it's difficult to find time though. During the MotoGP season there are many commitments and it's hard to find a free day. Ducati management knows that I'd love to do a test because I feel competitive, I'm riding at the highest level of my career, this would be a good time for a test”.
Were you surprised by Stoner's times at the Sepang tests?
“There's nothing to be surprised about, we know his talent, I was only surprised by how many laps he did, he usually does less (he laughs). He's working hard”.
Marinelli tells us that your strengths are your braking and our aggression. What are your weak points?
“I'm slow to get into a rhythm, over the years I've tried to improve on that though”.
Domenicali has revealed that there is a 4-cylinder SBK engine in the pipeline, would it be easier to win with that do you think?
“Nothing's ever easy, but I think that it's a natural evolution, I can imagine that a 4-cylinder Ducati SBK engine could be something great, something wonderful. After many years with the 2-cylinders, this would be the next step. I think it will come in 2019 and I hope to have the chance to test it ”.
Or perhaps you'll have chance to race in MotoGP…
“If I can win the title this year, it would be a great test for me to move to MotoGP”.
