Giugliano on the podium again
Having won the 2011 Superstock 1000 FIM Cup title in such fine style Davide Giugliano (Althea Racing) was well worth his opportunity to join the Superbike area of the Althea operation on a full-time basis this year. A rider who can trace his roots back to his first races in the Superstock 600 championship in 2005, Giugliano has more than resurrected his career in the SBK paddock over the past two or three seasons. What was only promising and occasionally wayward talent from the Italian rider at one time is now becoming promise delivered, although he is the first to admit he is still in a learning phase of his career.
He had already been a major player at the Assen SBK round in April, finishing second in race one to his team-mate Carlos Checa. At Misano, on home ground, he was a seemingly even more potent force last weekend, even if he only scored third and did not repeat his Assen feat.
His relative inexperience told when he fell under pressure in race two at Misano, but in terms of pure talent and desire to win, Giugliano is already close to the top of the SBK order. In terms of points, he is ranked ninth at the halfway point of the season, despite having missed out on scoring on all of four occasions. One to watch in the second half for sure - especially as he is still only 22 years of age.
For Giugliano, a native of the ‘Eternal City' of Rome, the first encounter was particularly pleasing. "I'm really happy with how race one went," said Davide. "We're gaining experience race after race and I'm trying to put everything that the team and Ducati has given me to good use. I knew that the last phase of the race would be more difficult and I was right; I started to have grip issues and got a little nervous when I saw Carlos and Max right behind me! I'm really happy with the result, and the fact that it comes here at Misano."
Race two at Misano was not quite a dream finish for him, as he explained. "On the other hand, I'm really sorry about what happened in the second race. I was lapping very fast and doing all I could to stick with the leading group. Perhaps I pushed a little too hard and it was game over. I apologise to my team, that has worked so hard for me this weekend, to the fans and I'm also sorry for how Carlos' race came to an end."
