Preziosi: “The most important part of the bike is the rider”

In an extended interview with motogp.com General Manager of Ducati Corse, Filippo Preziosi, discusses the recent history of the Italian manufacturer in MotoGP and explains how the development team were able to work on the configuration of the Desmosedici engine without being subject to any marketing directives from the company.

“Racing involves technological development and in this sense we have never had any restrictions. We should be aggressive in our approach and always be trying to open new avenues. We are a small company and this is the only way we can take on the Japanese giants,” said Preziosi.

Ahead of the Gran Premio d’Italia TIM Preziosi gave a detailed review of Ducati’s history in MotoGP from the Desmosedici’s unveiling in 2002 through the introduction of traction control, the first race victory with Loris Capirossi, the change to 800cc engines and the World Championship title of Casey Stoner.

Touching on one of the manufacturer’s innovations, the introduction of a carbon fibre chassis and swingarm, Preziosi commented that “the most important thing is how it functions and that it has an efficient design, not the material.”

Reserving a special mention for the team’s riders, Preziosi added: “In this world of mega technology, the best sensor that you can incorporate into a bike is the rider. Nothing gives you more information. In MotoGP you need a rider that is only the fastest, but who is the most intelligent.”