SBK | Pata Italian Round: Aruba Racing Ducati ready for the home round

After a rather subdued weekend in Assen, the Aruba.it Racing team returns to its home circuit, the Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrati in Imola, with the aim of giving a great performance to its fans: Chaz Davies in particular wants at all costs the third consecutive personal double on this track.

“Imola is a special place. We have been particularly competitive the last two years, everything went beyond expectations and it was one of those circuits where we managed to have a good pace. The track has some hard braking points which suit my style and I have always been motivated to come here since I am surrounded by people and Ducati enthusiasts, who have so much passion. But nothing is taken for granted in racing, so we must keep our heads down and prepare for the battle, as always” – he declared Chaz Davies.

Marco Melandri hopes that his home round can bring him the satisfaction that he was unable to achieve in Assen, where he certainly had his worst weekend since the beginning of the season: the rider from Ravenna also has the incentive of having never yet won in Imola.

“I think we arrive in Imola at the right time, I'm enthusiastic but also focused and full of energy. I have never won at Imola in WorldSBK yet, but every year is a different story and I am confident that we can be protagonists. The last test gave me a lot of confidence, we made a good step forward and we understood our limitations better. I am more determined than ever to fight for victory again. Everything is still possible, but we must not waste any opportunities. It will be a memorable round!” - He said Marco Melandri.

This round in Imola will be a special round for Michael Rinaldi, the first at home with the Ducati Worldsbk: the Junior team rider continues his apprenticeship in the queen category of production derivatives where he debuted very well during the Aragon round, while Assen had some difficulties.

“We arrive at Imola with a little more experience, I'm in great shape and I can't wait to continue improving. The Brno tests gave us another opportunity to adapt to the bike better and, personally, I really enjoy riding in Imola. I am confident that we can do really well and I hope to finish in the top 5, which is not an easy goal, but it is within our possibilities. Looking at past results, the Panigale R went really well in Imola, so we just need to get going and see where we are.” - He said Michael Ruben Rinaldi.