I'm really curious to know and see what Ducati and Feel Racing have done to the Panigale to have lifted the spirits of the boys in the team.. The interviews with Chaz and Davide are nothing less than optimistic and they are talking about being up there with other front runners.. The lack of speed was the main problem last year and the chassis too.. The riders had to ride extra hard eg early on the throttle and very late on the brakes to just keep up.. I really hope they are right and will win a few races.. And all these improvements will be available to the streetbike (wishful thinking!). Just looking for reason /the bragging right to splurge on a Panigale..
Tbh I think the chassis 'issues' are a slight urban myth. Checa was interviewed by one of the mags saying that the only chassis 'issue' was having enough set up time on a new platform at races because it was very different, but that it handled very well. I agree though that the power was down a long way
same sounds from IDM ... the bike is handling much better than the Beemer it is just down on power a lot... Neukricher did 2 stints in IDM and smoked the beemer... the loss of unlimited engines will bring the rest down as well.. gigi now no longer Ape, Beemer factory gone... no more Kawa 15 lap qualifying engine for Sykes... and then more focus from Corse now Feel is factory internal crew. and finally some top people on the Magnetti system due to the reshuffle inside CORSE.... no one has to teach GIGI anything on how to run a race team in any class... there is nothing they haven't won or came close. GP125/GP250/CRT/SBK...
Totally agree and have always said this. Lets not forget qualifying at Philip Island last year. I think the crashes dented Checa's confidence and hence the dip along with the loss of power against the others. When new riders got on it towards end of season the times started to get better. This bikes a belter and 2014 is gonna be a good year. 2015 even better!
I cannot wait for the first race, really interested in what the Ducati's can achieve back under factory management.
A good season is what the Panigale needs desperately. Then and only then will some naysayers (me included) warm to the bike. Until it proves itself in combat its just another expensive bike. If it wins, then its a bargain.
