Gigi Dall’Igna and Alvaro Bautsita responded to Toprak Razgatlioglu’s claim of Ducati domination in the WorldSBK championship.
The reigning WorldSBK champion Razgatlioglu threatened to quit the series after enduring a difficult season opener in Phillip Island.
The Turkish rider sits eighth in the standings with 20 points after finishing second in Race 1, the only points he accumulated throughout the weekend.
He labelled the series a “Ducati Cup” after Nicolo Bulega completed his first WorldSBK treble for Italian manufacturer, with the top five riders in the standings all representing Panigale machinery.
“I have immense respect for Razgatlioglu because he had a wonderful season last year,” Ducati boss Dall’Igna told GPOne.
“He won 13 races in a row. The truth is that, last year, it was really a BMW Cup!
“In the sense that he dominated from start to finish. Then, as always, things in racing change.
“I don’t think it’s a Ducati Cup. Rather, we certainly have an incredible line-up of riders.”
Alvaro Bautista: Ducati has the ‘best riders’
Two-time WorldSBK champion Bautista elaborated on Dall’Igna’s perspective by discussing Ducatis full rider lineup.
While he admitted that it’s a “combination” of the V4 and riders, he listed each rider’s accolades, which he believes are key factors in understanding the championship standings.
“Although there were six Ducatis, you also have to take into account which riders were riding the Ducati,” said Bautista to BikeSportNews.
“So, we have Nicolo Bulega, Supersport World Champion and 2024 World Championship runner-up.
“Andrea Iannone, who has achieved many Moto2 victories and has also won in MotoGP, as well as Danilo Petrucci.
“And Ducati also has me as 125cc World Champion and two-time Superbike Champion. Everyone talks about the bike, but it’s not just that, it’s also the riders.
“It’s a combination. The Ducati is a good motorcycle because Ducati is constantly working on improvements. And if you also have a good racing driver, then it’s clear what the result will be.
“It can’t be our problem if other manufacturers don’t invest in the best riders.”
READ MORE – Toprak Razgatlioglu threatens to quit WorldSBK after Ducati dominance in Australia
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