Page 125 - Australian Motorcycle News (January 2020)
P. 125
How to
MotoGP briefs
beat Marc
DUCATI SPORTING DIRECTOR
Paolo Ciabatti has revealed
the three-step strategy with
which it will try and end the
domination of Marc Marquez.
Fed up with being the
bridesmaid to the Spanish
superstar, Ciabiatti said:
“With the 2020 Ducati we are
V4 chases V4 at the bringing some new ideas
front of the field because to challenge Marquez
for the championship you need
Bologna three things.
“First you need a bike that
is superior to the Honda and
Bridesmaids with riders who are giving Legend Lorenzo
100 percent at all tracks,” he
said. “And then you hope that
Marquez will not maintain the Five-time world champ Jorge
FOR THREE CONSECUTIVE years Ducati and Andrea. same splendid form he has at Lorenzo is one of three riders
Ducati has been best of the rest in “But over the past three seasons the moment.” who will become MotoGP
MotoGP, succumbing only to the since 2017, apart from Marquez, Therein lies the problem. Legends during the course of
domination of Honda and its star Andrea has won more races than Marquez won 12 races last year 2020, with the recently retired
rider Marc Marquez. anyone. He has 12 wins and next and Dovizioso just two, well Spaniard joining five-time world
The tag sits uncomfortably best is Maverick Viñales (Yamaha) down from a career-high of six champ Kiwi Hugh Anderson, as
with the Ducati ahead of the 2020 on six. And last year we did wins in 2017. well as four-time world champ
season, as the factory and lead something no other manufacturer “Can Marquez be beaten? Max Biaggi. Lorenzo’s induction
rider Andrea Dovizioso have been achieved – Ducati got 17 podiums Yes, we believe so.” will take place at Jerez, the
close, but just not close enough. with three riders. circuit where he made his debut
“Marquez has done an “It was our best podium return as a 15-year-old and where he
incredible job, especially in since 2007 when we won the has a corner named after him.
2019 when he was either first or championship. We should be “To be able to win five World
second in every race he finished,” satisfied, but what are we here Championships is something
said Ducati sporting director for? To fight for the highest that far outweighs what I
Paolo Ciabatti. “He has made life number of podiums or fight for the expected, and to be a MotoGP
difficult for everyone, not just championship?” CY Legend is something even
more difficult to achieve. To be
named a Legend means you’ve
MotoGP left a mark on the people and
history of this sport.”
Iannone Biaggi’s induction will take
place at Mugello and the
location of 84-year-old
to miss TWO Anderson’s induction is still yet
to be announced. KEL BUCKLEY
Sepang? SIDES! Stoner’s fire sale
To hear Ant’s side of the
Casey Stoner has raised
story, refer back to his
ANDREA IANNONE WILL face exclusive tell-all column, $25,700 towards bushfire relief
an appeal hearing at the FIM’s which appeared in by auctioning off his Ducati
International Disciplinary Court AMCN Vol 69 leathers that he wore during
in Switzerland on 4 February No 20 his 2010 title winning season.
which almost certainly rules him The Alpinestars suit will
out of the Sepang test starting on be on duty i epan and likely the FIM his ban doesn’t end until remain in Australia with the
7 February. joined by superbiker Lorenzo September 2020. double world champ revealing
The FIM has up to 45 days to Savadori. Last year West sought a racing the winning bidder was from
confirm a penalty for Iannone’s And the latest episode in the haven in the non-FIM affiliated New South Wales.
positive drug samples taken at saga of Australian rider Ant Brazil Superbike Championship “A big thank you to everybody
last October’s Malaysian GP. That West and his two-year ban by but, rightly or wrongly, that who put in their time for this,” he
could also rule Iannone out of the FIM for a positive drug test option has now also been closed said, and by ‘time’ we’re sure he
the opening grand prix in Qatar, has played out alongside the by the FIM sanction. also means ‘cash’.
or longer, depending on the Iannone dramas. West, 38, was suspended by “The money is going to be going
severity of the penalty. Both angry and upset, West the FIM in January 2019 following out to the Australian bushfire
British rider and contracted has said he is “done” with racing a positive drug test at the 2018 relief and hopefully we can get
Aprilia tester Bradley Smith will after being formally reminded by Misano WorldSBK race. CY it out there as quick as I can.” KB
amcn.com.au 123
