SBK| Gigi Dall'Igna: “We don't have any plans for 2019 yet”

During the home rounds of the Superbike World Championship, in Imola and Misano, Gigi Dall'Igna, General Director of Ducati Corse, is now a permanent presence in the Aruba Racing garage, demonstrating how production derivatives occupy a very important place in the projects of the Borgo Panigale manufacturer.

Precisely on the occasion of the Pata Italian Round, which took place last weekend at the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari in Imola, we met him: the opportunity was to take stock not only of the current and next season, but especially on the development of the long-awaited Ducati V4.

Drivers say she always calls them during race weekends.

"Yes, it's true. Superbike is very important for me, and not only for me but for Ducati. We want to be competitive and we work for this. I honestly think that the new regulations have made the races more competitive and this is good for everyone, so I think the rules are better than last year."

What do you think about moving a race to Saturday in WorldSuperbike?

“When I'm at home I think it's nice to have a race on Saturday and one on Sunday, but I think it's not as good for the spectators at the circuit. I think it would be better for them to return to the two races in one day. It would also be better for the riders and the team. At least if I were a pilot, it would be for me. It is true that you have more time to resolve any problems but you also risk creating confusion. As for the idea of ​​returning to the "sprint" race on Saturday and at two o'clock on Sunday, as in the past, I think it would be too much for the drivers and engineers and I'm not sure it would help the category."

When will we be able to see Davies and Melandri test the Ducati V4?

“At the moment we are developing the project of the bike, so I think not before the end of the season: obviously it will depend on the results that we obtain in this development phase and on the contract that the two riders will have. We haven't talked about this yet and we haven't made any plans. We have a good development program and that is the most important thing. At the moment I'm satisfied with how it's going."

When will we be able to see it in the Superbike World Championship?

“At the moment we are still developing the Panigale: winning the Championship is important for Ducati so we will certainly give something new to our riders during the season. We have something in mind from an engine point of view, we have tested something. But the engine is not the only component we will develop over the course of the season. As soon as possible we will have the Ducati V4 but we still have no idea when."

What about the problems accused by Melandri?

“The bike this weekend seems improved compared to the last round. We had very good tests in Brno but I want to wait before saying that we have solved our problems because these vary from circuit to circuit. The rider's weight and his driving style certainly also have an impact."

Do you think Michael Rinaldi represents the future of Ducati?

“Honestly he's riding well, maybe not for the whole race, but he's very fast for at least half the race. He did well in Aragon, he is doing well here, so I think he will be part of our family for a long time. I honestly don't know if we will continue with three drivers next year because we haven't yet made precise plans for 2019. We need to start discussing with Aruba, which is a very important partner in this project, then we'll know more."

Does the MotoGP budget affect the budget for the Superbike?

“No because Ducati wants to win in both championships. If I didn't have the budget to win I would prefer to leave a category. On the contrary, I want there to be more cooperation between the two categories, which is why you see some MotoGP riders here and vice versa. I want a stronger connection than in the past."

Speaking of MotoGP: will Dovizioso race with the new chassis at Mugello?

“It's not a truly new frame: Dovizioso had already used it at the beginning of the season, the difference between the one he uses now and this one isn't much. We decided not to let Lorenzo try it in the past because we wanted him to be able to correctly evaluate the difference between the two first. After Jerez we think he's ready, so we'll let him try it too. However, it is not something completely different. We have something in mind and we will test it with Michele Pirro in the next month, after which we will evaluate the results."

Which Ducati can we expect at Le Mans?

“I don't want to make predictions because I'm quite superstitious!”