Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli is the setting for the seventh round of the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship, and the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team are hopeful they can put in another strong performance with their home fans cheering on the sidelines. Following a double podium in Race One on top of a double victory back at Imola, they will be hoping to give the Italian fans even more to shout about.

Marco Melandri (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) is yet to stand on the top step of the podium since his return to WorldSBK, and the Pirelli Riviera Di Rimini Round could be his time to shine. If Melandri was to cross the line in first he would secure Italy’s 100^th victory in WorldSBK, and the 34 year old is feeling positive ahead of Misano.

 “I’m very confident ahead of this round,” explains an encouraged Melandri. “I feel good, both physically and mentally. In the tests done at Misano we gathered some important data, despite not having been able to completely solve the issues we’ve encountered at Imola and Donington. I think the team has done a great technical analysis afterwards and devised some solutions that can help me improve my performance, so I feel optimistic and refreshed. The weather will be very hot, so it will be difficult for everyone during the races. Our rivals will be very competitive, but Misano is a good track for the Panigale R so I’m ready to battle.”

British team-mate Chaz Davies (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) continues on his championship hunt as he looks at securing his first podium finish around Misano World Circuit, stating he is feeling prepared to for the challenge ahead in Rimini.

Davies explains: “I feel good heading into the second Italian round of the year. The home fans’ support is always worth a lot: it’s humbling, enjoyable, and gives you an extra motivation. We have yet to step on the podium at Misano and we need to put it right because we always had the pace there. Last year we were particularly strong, but the ball just didn’t bounce our way as we crashed and then were pushed off the track during the races. The testing was good, we just need to put together a few bits and pieces but our window has been defined and we won’t make any radical changes. We defined a couple of potential directions to try and that’s where we’ll start from in FP1”. 

Keep up with Ducati’s pace around the 4.226km circuit all with the WorldSBK VideoPass, as action begins at 09.45LT on Friday before lights go out for Race One at 13.00LT on Saturday and 13.00LT on Sunday.