News

After a memorable 2015 with the first win for the Panigale R at  MotorLand Aragon and second place in the Riders’ and Manufacturers’ championships secured, the 2016 Aruba.it Racing - Ducati Team was launched today at the Aruba Data Center in Arezzo, where the adventure began twelve months ago. Chaz Davies and Davide Giugliano took the wraps off the factory Panigale R bikes and the team laid down their intent to challenge for this year’s MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship titles.

During the event the sporting programme and the technical changes for WorldSBK were illustrated to media, team sponsors and partners. The project resumes re-focused on continuity, with Davies and Giugliano both confirmed to try and take advtantage of several innovations in both the technical department and on the bike.

Luigi Dall’Igna, the Ducati Corse General Manager, said: “In my first two years in Ducati we have tried to improve the flow of information between MotoGP and SBK, something that allowed us to improve on both fronts. The Panigale R has undergone further developments in its suspension, electronics and engine. We were protagonists in the winter tests, something that allows us to start 2016 with one aim: to win the title.”

“Last year was full of satisfaction,” added rider Chaz Davies. “To be the first rider to win a race with the Panigale R meant a lot, not only for me but also all of Ducati and the many Ducatisti all over the world. We improved all the time and gradually achieved a package that was competitive at all circuits. This was exactly the same during the winter tests, where with the latest evolutions in suspension and electronics, we could focus on performance over the distance. I am optimistic and can’t wait to start the championship”.

Teammate Giugliano shared the optimism: “After a difficult season, we are now looking ahead with optimism. Many things have changed, both on the bike and in my team, and I’d like to thank Ducati for this opportunity. I’m starting to work well with Aligi and Paolo, my new crew chief and electronics technician. In the last test I was once again as quick as the top guys. I’m optimistic and can’t wait to go to Australia”.

Claudio Domenicali, the CEO of Ducati Motor Holding, further added: “I would like to underline a fact that is often neglected: the importance of Superbike for a manufacturer like Ducati. Racing with a production-based bike allows us to develop products that are quite simply extraordinary. The Panigale R has no rivals in the sportsbike sector. Superbike is a championship that is in the hearts of Ducati and all Ducatisti”.

“Twenty-one podiums and five wins in 2015 enabled us to finish second in both the Riders’ and Manufacturers’ championships, giving us great satisfaction. But we are not settling for that result, and we will try and go even better this year,” said Stefano Cecconi, CEO of Aruba S.p.A and the Team Principal. “We began the season on the podium and finished it by always fighting for the win. And it is from that point that we want to resume this season, with the aim of going even better this year, so it was right to not change a winning team.”

The Aruba.it Racing - Ducati Team will now be leaving for Australia, where the usual round of pre-season tests at Phillip Island will be held just a few days before WorldSBK begins.