2024-08-20 17:40:03
The future of Álvaro Bautista in WorldSBK was one of the main unknowns in the paddock during the 2024 season With his contract about to expire, speculation about his continuity with Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team is on everyone’s lips. In an exclusive interview with worldsbk.com, Serafino Foti, the team’s team manager, shed light on the ongoing conversations and challenges they faced this year due to the new weight regulations.
Foti made that clear The main objective of the team is to continue with Álvaro Bautista in 2025. A Despite a definitive agreement not being closed, the Italians expressed confidence that negotiations are progressing and that they could have an official announcement soon. “We didn’t speak during the Portimao weekend because he prefers not to do that during a round,” Foti explained, referring to Bautista’s choice to focus exclusively on racing during the competition weekend.
The Ducati team manager stressed that they do not have a ‘plan B’ in case Bautista decides not to continue. “We will continue to work and, although it is not yet closed, we are close to reaching an agreement. Soon I will be able to say whether it is 80%, 90% or 0%, but I am very confident. “We have no plan B because our goal is to continue.”said Foti, showing how important Bautista is to the team.
One of the biggest challenges facing Ducati this season is lballast management on Bautista’s motorcycle, which were introduced as part of the new weight regulations. This extra weight has greatly complicated the Ducati setup, affecting performance on various circuits.
Foti detailed the difficulties that arose during the season: “This year we had some weight problems with Alvaro. It was difficult to find the best configuration, but starting with the most, we found the best solution. We moved the weight in several areas and our engineers did a good job in-house. He was competitive there and also in Portimao. It fell, but it was there, and that’s the most important thing for the future.”
The balance of the bike is a critical aspect of Bautista’s performance, and Foti explained how weight affects it differently depending on the circuit. “The balance of the bike is very sensitive to Álvaro’s weight. This is the problem. On some circuits, the weight is fine, but on others, you have to move it again. It’s not easy because stationary weight is one thing, but dynamic weight is a completely different story”, he said. This diversity was a constant challenge for the team, who had to adapt quickly to the changing conditions at each track.
Despite the difficulties, Foti declared that the team would not give up and they continue to work to improve in every race. “This year has been very difficult, but we keep pushing in every race,” he emphasized, showing the team’s determination to remain competitive and continue to fight for the championship.
With the 2024 season in its final stretch, Ducati has already set its sights on 2025. Foti confirmed that The team will carry out new tests at MotorLand Aragón in Septemberwhere they will evaluate some new pieces and adaptations for the next season. “We will test in Aragon in September, we will have some concrete things. Nothing you see!” said Foti, maintaining the mystery of the news to come.
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These tests will be necessary to fine tune the bike and ensure it is in the best possible condition for next year. With new asphalt in Aragón and the possibility of incorporating significant improvements, Ducati looks to solve the weight and balance issues that mark the 2024 season.
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