Ducati's new owners are expecting the MotoGP team to be fighting for wins and the crown - but not until 2015. German car manufacturer Audi purchased Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A. in April 2012, saying at the time the Italian bike company's was an excellent fit. However their flagship motorsport program - the MotoGP team - has struggled though a fruitless two years in the world championship. Wolfgang Durheimer, head of research and development for Audi and chief of motorsport for the Volkswagen group says the team will return to the top step of the podium, but it will take time. "I'm still in my first 100 days, I need time to understand what I've seen and learnt," he told Gazzetta dello Sport. "I will contribute with everything I know with regards to experience, organisation, races and exchange of information between the Volkswagen Group marques, in order to make Ducati competitive again and win titles." The dire period has been made all the more prominent by the presence of nine-time world champion Valentino Rossi on one of the team's bikes. The popular Italian managed just three podium finishes on the Italian bikes while teammate Nicky Hayden managed no better. Ducati's MotoGP winless-streak stretches back to Phillip Island 2010, Casey Stoner's last win for the team before he switched to Honda. "I'm sure we'll make important progress over the winter and that we'll be closer to the frontrunners in 2013," Durheimer continued. "In 2014 I want to win races and aim for the title in 2015." Rossi has departed for Yamaha for 2013, but it wasn't for a lack of trying from Ducati. "At Mugello I spent a long time with Valentino to convince him that Ducati was a good choice," said Durheimer. "I fought for him to stay. I offered him to meet with me in August too, when I was on holiday, but I think he had already made his choice and didn't feel he needed to talk to me. "Unfortunately, we'll have to become world champions without him." Ducati will again have a four-bike presence in MotoGP in 2013. Italian Andrea Dovizioso taking Rossi's seat at the factory team, while Ben Spies and Moto2-graduate Andrea Iannone will ride for satellite team Pramac, who will have a much closer relationship with the factory next year. Read more: Owners Audi say Ducati won't snap out of their MotoGP doldrums until at least 2014 | News.com.au
I recall prior to signing (when Vale hadn't confirmed he was leaving) Dovi was being interviewed about the potential Ducati seat and he said then Ducati needed another year or so
Motogp team to be renamed DUCAUDI with Helmut Richtofen at the tiller and the Ducati insignia tick circled by 4 rings.
Well it helps out with my fantasy team for next year. If Audi say they wont be ready until 2014, that means they plan on winning the title in 2014, not just a case of being competitive
Well when this faux Ducati rolls down the pit lane and doesn't shake the fillings out of the peoples teeth the facade will be over :biggrin:
