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Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/249466
P30 IN THE WIND DUCS READY TO FLY T he Ducati World Superbike team was introduced to fans and the press in a live streaming event held at the Ducati Auditorium in Borgo Panigale, Italy on Monday with the team officially announcing its rider lineup of Chaz Davies and Davide Giugliano. The 2014 season will see the return of Ducati as a factory team in the championship again. The winners of 14 World Superbike titles, Ducati is reestablishing its relationship with Feel Racing, with the logistical and organizational structure that will be based in Crespellano, in the province of Bologna. The last year Ducati raced as a full factory team was in 2010. On stage to present the season's plans and technical innovations were Claudio Domenicali (CEO Ducati Motor Holding), Luigi Dall'Igna (General Manager Ducati Corse), Paolo Ciabatti (Sporting Director Ducati Corse), Ernesto Marinelli (SBK Project Director) and team manager Serafino Foti. They were joined on stage by Davies and Giugliano and the 2014 version of the 1199 Panigale. "The results of the latest tests are encouraging," said Dall'Igna. "Both riders were able to record important lap times, but more important is the fact that their comments regarding the bike have been positive. This is a key factor, especially in view of the experience they have accumulated in recent seasons and the fact that both were riding bikes of reference until just a few months ago. They are together providing us with the feedback needed in order to develop the 1199 Panigale in the best possible way. There is of course a lot of work still to do, but I am confident and optimistic and believe that over the course of this coming championship we will get the bike back to where it deserves to be." Marinelli says the new bike features many changes over last year's version. "The 2014 version of the Panigale has undergone various evolutions since last year," he said. "I would say the main one regards the electronics system that has been completely modified, generating not only an advantage in terms of functionality but also a lower overall weight. With regard to the chassis, the biggest change involves the new Ohlins suspension, which this season has a price cap imposed by the regulations. The braking system has also changed, with new 328mm Brembo front discs, and the engine has undergone evolution in order to achieve greater performance. We believe that we have a good bike/rider package with which to bring Ducati back to the positions that count." Ducati factory riders Chaz Davies (left) and Davide Giugliano flank Ducati Corse general manager Luigi Dall'Igna at the team unveiling on Monday in Italy. Davies is looking forward to getting down to the business of racing. "I haven't been riding the Panigale for very long yet, but I feel that my bike has a lot of potential still to explore and evaluate," Davies said. "It's important to continue to work hard and to stay focused on improving each component of the bike but this is a challenge that I'm very much looking forward to. I think that the bike has the potential to win races; we just need to keep working in the same direction and make the most of every opportunity that presents itself during race weekends. I think Davide [Giugliano] and I will develop a strong working relationship and this will allow us to support and spur each other on to achieve positive results on the track."