Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1488031
Rossi Did Ducati Harm F rancesco Bagnaia's triumph in the 2022 MotoGP World Championship is a world away from the heady days of when Ducati lured Bagnaia's mentor, Valentino Rossi, into the red Ital- ian fold. Bagnaia became Ducati's first champion since Casey Stoner in 2007, however, Rossi's procure- ment to Ducati at the end of 2010 was supposed to bring that second world title much sooner. Instead, as we all know, it turned into a nightmare for all concerned, Rossi leaving Ducati at the end of 2012 to hightail it back to Yamaha. Now, Ducati CEO Claudio Do- menicali has detailed to crash. net just how much damage was done to Ducati during those years. "We couldn't handle it, we took the hit," Domeni- cali said. "When you take the most famous rider in Italy with nine world titles, and you can't win, you also have damage to your image. "I became CEO in 2013, when [Rossi left], and I picked up the pieces. At that point you can only get back to work to start again." Ducati is now the num- ber-one team in MotoGP with two Italian riders of Bagnaia and incoming Enea Bastianini, miles from where they were with Rossi in 2011, something Do- menicali now acknowledges. "We don't look at nationality or if it's a character, the choice is always sporting," Domenicali said of choosing a rider. "We try to have the brand and the rider at the same level, then obviously if the riders achieve results, they gain fame. It's natu- ral." CN IN THE WIND P58 The Italian dream failed with Valentino Rossi but succeeded with Pecco Bagnaia. Laurent Fellon Passes L aurent Fellon passed away after a short battle with cancer. The Frenchman is best remem- bered as father to Moto3 rider Lorenzo Fellon and manager to Johann Zarco, who paid tribute to him on Instagram. "Farewell my friend, father of the motorcycle, your passion in this field was limitless. The vibra- tions of an engine have always transcended you, your wishes to pass on that passion were great, too. You have united the world with you to achieve exceptional goals. So, by your side you made me a warrior and that's for life! Thank you." Lorenzo Fellon will ride for the CIP Green Power team in Moto3 next season, while Zarco will retain his position in the Pramac Ducati squad. CN Laurent Fellon was a massive figure in the MotoGP paddock.