INTERVIEW
P80
CARLOS CHECA
"I think they talked against
Ducati completely. I understand
why but then this gave some advantage to the other manufacturers. But for me it was enough.
Then they said a new Panigale,
very important for us. When I
tested I said we are not at the
level with this bike; I did not feel
we can go, but because of the
technical rule. But they promise
me, they say they will work, we
will work but anyway, I decided
wanted to finish my career with
Ducati. There is always intention,
and decision. I have to put some
intention in my mind because I
do not want to protect my future
for so long, but always you have
some intention. My intention
was an idea, to work with Ducati
and finish my career with them
because for me it was enough.
Then I thought, 'Okay, I will go
ahead with Panigale, and maybe
we can succeed. Maybe not this
year, because it is very difficult
and it is very young, and maybe
it will be an opportunity for 2014
– if I see no progress then I finish.' This was my intention, not
a decision. Decisions you must
take when opportunities arrive,
because you can still tell people
thank you, but no. I had the opportunity to continue, sometimes
you do not have, and you need to
stop. I was able to look forward
Checa struggled with the
new Panigale in 2013, but will
continue in an "ambassador"
role with Ducati in the future.
and make my own decision, so
say thanks, but enough."
It was obvious that the Spanish part of the Kawasaki Racing
Team, the Provec structure that
manages the bikes and riders
weekend-to-weekend and in the
off-season, wanted to get Checa
on board for 2014 - for all possible reasons. It was a real possibility according to Checa until
one important event. He also had
another option.
"If I did not have the crash I
