Ducati Out Of WSBK...

[gm2]

I'm still not sure I agree the twin format isn't competitive. Checa was killing people at Miller before his bike crapped out. I just think the current Xerox riders aren't up to the task. Regardless, Ducati will surely need to do something (V-4?) to keep their SBKs competitive, otherwise their sales will dry up.

agreed, and it's a fine line, but it's becoming less fine every year.  i mean, checa was killing people there, not necessarily ducati.  he obviously gets along with that track quite well.  and we know that his bike [at least started the year as] virtually the same as the factory bikes.. only difference was electronics.

there are still 'ducati tracks' of course.. but on the whole, they can't keep up.

[zooom]

It still sucks they're pulling out of a series they've been continuously involved with since '88. I know they'll still be there with privateer teams, but...

I'm still not sure I agree the twin format isn't competitive. Checa was killing people at Miller before his bike crapped out. I just think the current Xerox riders aren't up to the task. Regardless, Ducati will surely need to do something (V-4?) to keep their SBKs competitive, otherwise their sales will dry up.

well...for a few years there, WSBK was jokingly called the Ducati Cup...and then the 4cylinders were allowed to go from 750 to a 1000 cc's and development wars begun...and as far as development...not only did Checa seem to find something that Fabrizio and Haga didn't...but there is also the restrictor plate on the 1198 for racing...hell...I think the throttle plates on the new 848EVO are bigger than what they allow in racing competition...

hell...here's another train of a thought...maybe Ducati doesn't want another year of egg directly on their factory face for being stomped on until FIM says they can lift the restrictor plates AND THEN COME BACK WHOLE HOG/FULL BORE!!!  

[gm2]

well...for a few years there, WSBK was jokingly called the Ducati Cup...and then the 4cylinders were allowed to go from 750 to a 1000 cc's and development wars begun...

...thanks for that.  

[Triple J]

How does everyone think this will affect the series?

I've only ever been to the Miller WSBK race (last 2 years), but it seemed like 40% of the people there were wearing Ducati gear, and the Ducati tent was a huge draw. The only other manufacturer that had anything close was BMW. You guys think attendance/interest will drop worldwide?

[gm2]

tbh, i thought the series was in deep shit when bayliss left.  then ben came along and it was exciting for another year.  this year, meh..

i'm stoked for max but i'm not the least bit excited about it.

[duccarlos]

Boooooooooooooo

[enzo]

Is it a bluff?  If WSBK bends over backwards to make Ducati "more" competitive, I bet Ducati will be racing in 2011.  Initially, it looks like WSBK isn't biting.

[desmoquattro]

Is it a bluff?  If WSBK bends over backwards to make Ducati "more" competitive, I bet Ducati will be racing in 2011.  Initially, it looks like WSBK isn't biting.

I don't think they're bluffing. I heard something about them not being able to homologate the 1198r next season too.

It's hard not to get the impression of a company in chaos right now.

[derby]

I don't think they're bluffing. I heard something about them not being able to homologate the 1198r next season too.

It's hard not to get the impression of a company in chaos right now.

other than not competing in one of the production-based championships next year, what makes you say that?

[desmoquattro]

other than not competing in one of the production-based championships next year, what makes you say that?

Mostly the fact that they can't deal with a warranty to save their lives

[Bill in OKC]

After reading the thread, I was wondering about restrictions.  Ducati can build a better V-twin, use a carbon fiber frame etc. but as long as they have 1200cc they could be restricted right back to where they are now if they start winning again.

[gm2]

http://motomatters.com/news/2010/08/27/infront_motor_sports_responds_to_ducati_.html

[fastwin]

I guess this puts a fork in Colin Edwards thinking about leaving MotoGP and getting a Duc factory WSBK ride. Maybe he'll land a satellite ride? I'd like to see him back in WSBK. Also wonder where Haga and Fabrizio go?

[enzo]

Something tells me this announcement is a chess move in a more private negotiation.

[Speeddog]

Something tells me this announcement is a chess move in a more private negotiation.

Cynical, but likelyhood is very high. 

Honestly, I want to see Colin on a top-shelf Ducati.
I'd like to see him on a top-shelf Yamaha (or whatever).