Ducati chief looks back on 100 MotoGP race legacy

Ducati may have conceded the team, manufacturer and team titles this season, but the Italian mark have still had much cause for celebration in the past week. Casey Stoner took Ducati´s 23rd MotoGP victory at his home race in Australia, on the landmark occasion of the factory´s 100th Grand Prix in the premier class.

Looking back with pride over their appearance century, Ducati head Claudio Domenicali is delighted with the progression made in a comparatively short period of time.

`It is a really strange feeling you get when you stop for a moment and look back. It was the year 2000 when we decided that taking part in the budding championship for 4-stroke prototypes could be a great opportunity for Ducati,´ notes the Ducati Corse CEO and Ducati Motor Holding Product Director.

The first race for the factory in MotoGP came at Suzuka in 2003, the culmination of a project that shows no sign of relenting. Domenicali reveals the leap of faith that the Borgo Panigale factory made in joining the World Championship.

`We had experience in superbike racing, plenty of enthusiasm and that touch of recklessness that helps you worry less about the risks involved. I remember as if it were yesterday what one member of the board said: `Is it better to be a big fish in a small pond or a small fish in a big lake?´, but in our heart of hearts, we hoped to become a big fish in a big lake!

`We were undoubtedly attracted by the technological challenge represented by competing in the prototype class. Well, after 100 GP races… thanks to the incredible dedication and commitment of an amazingly talented team, we have given top racers such as Loris Capirossi and Casey -and Troy Bayliss in 2006- the chance to win several races, obtaining results that truly reward the efforts made during these years.´