Superbike: Melandri can't wait to start his adventure with Ducati

A few days after the official announcement of his sensational return to the World Championship of production derivatives in the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team, starting next year, paired with Chaz Davies, Marco Melandri is eager to get on his new Ducati Panigale R.

For the Ravenna native, 2017 will be his fifth season in Worldsbk, in which he has so far achieved 19 victories and 49 podiums out of the 100 races played: the goal for him is obviously to return to the highest levels.

WorldSBK.com had a chat with him after the announcement, about his feelings and the near future, which he inevitably looks at with great optimism.
We bring you the full interview.

“On the one hand the main feeling is happiness” – he said Marco Melandri – “On the other hand I haven't achieved 100% yet, it's definitely a return with a top-notch team and bike. After a very difficult period it is still hard for me to believe that such an opportunity has arrived. My desire to run and do well has increased compared to before. The period away from racing made me reflect, it led me to improve my weak points and to understand even more how much I want to race and do well."

During this break Melandri did not lose heart.
“This winter I trained a lot with the motocross bike until a few months ago. When I saw the possibility of returning to Superbike I slowed down a bit because the risk is always high. I gave priority to cycling, I always went to the gym just to maintain a minimum amount of training. Then I enjoyed my family, and with the help of my sister and Manuela we worked on a new project which will see the light in September."

When asked how the negotiation went, Marco replied:
“I don't know much about how the negotiations with Ducati went, I just said “Yes, okay!” (laughs) For me the priority was to have a competitive bike and a top-level team like theirs. The team manager knows me well because he worked with me for a year, so he knows what I need to be 100% convinced and always work to the best of my ability. I have an excellent relationship with Ducati."

“My expectations are certainly high” – added the Ravenna native – “I only wanted to come back if I could do it to win. It won't be easy, the level is high now, the Kawasakis are very strong, Chaz has been on the Ducati for years and I think he is certainly the reference on this bike. I also expect the other bikes to grow for next year, so it won't be easy."

In Ducati he will team up with Chaz Davies, for the second time in his career.
“With Chaz we were already teammates in 2013, everything will be fine. I tend to be someone who follows his path, even from what I've already seen. The important thing is to have respect for each other, then it is normal that your boxing partner is your first rival. From my point of view it is better to have a fast one, at least it stimulates you to always be at the top."

An Italian rider riding an Italian motorcycle has a certain responsibility and by the way.
“Definitely, I know there are a lot of expectations. But when you have everything you need to express yourself to the fullest, it doesn't weigh on me” – she said Marco Melandri – “It's just extra motivation, I can't wait to get started. I am sure that many will expect a lot from us and I am ready to face difficult moments - I am aware that there will be some - but I see everything as very positive."