Valentino Rossi “did damage to our image” says Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali

The failed years that blighted Valentino Rossi’s legacy also damaged Ducati’s image, says their CEO Claudio Domenicali.
Valentino Rossi, MotoGP, Dutch MotoGP 24 June
Valentino Rossi, MotoGP, Dutch MotoGP 24 June

Rossi never added to his seven MotoGP world championships after leaving Yamaha for Ducati, where he spent two disastrous seasons in 2011 and 2012. Even 💯a return to Yamaha could not restore him to the summit of the sport.

Ducati also spent years in the wilderness - 168澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果历史:Francesco Bagnaia, this year, became their first premier class champion since 168澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果历史:Casey Stoner 15 years ago.

Remote video URL

"We couldn't handle it, we took 🍬the hit," Domenicali said. 

"When you take the most famous ride♎r in Italy with nine world titles and you can't win you also have damage to your image. 

“I became CEO in 2013, wheඣn [Rossi left], and I picked up the pieces. At that point you can only get back to work to start again.”

The arrival of Gigi Dall’Igna inꦏ 2014 is widely credited as tu♒rning around Ducati’s fortunes.

"For two years we have worked a lot to make changes⭕,” Domenicali said🅠.

Francesco Bagnaia, Valencia MotoGP test, 8 November
Francesco Bagnaia, Valencia MotoGP test, 8 November

The 168澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果历史:2023 MotoGP rider line-up will see Bagnaia partnered by 168澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果历史:Enea Bastianini in the factory team.

Bastianini earned the promotion ahead of the outgoing 168澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果历史:Jack Miller, and 168澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果历史:Jorge Martin who will remain at Pramac. 

It means the iconic Itꦜalian team will now boast two Italian riders, each harbouℱring realistic hopes of claiming the championship for themselves.

"We don﷽'t look at nationality or if it's a ch♔aracter, the choice is always sporting,” Domenicali said. 

“We try to꧃ have the brand and the rider at the same level, then obviously if the riders achieve results they gain fame, it's natural." 

Read More