From a press release issued by Ducati Corse:

DUCATI MARLBORO TEAM MEETS THE PRESS ON THE SNOWS OF MADONNA DI CAMPIGLIO

Wrooom 2005, Madonna di Campiglio (Italy), 19 January : Skiing and snowboarding gave way to a more formal moment for the MotoGP riders and journalists today at the Wrooom 2005 international media event. Ducati Corse CEO Claudio Domenicali and Ducati Marlboro Team riders Loris Capirossi and Carlos Checa met the press for the first time to chat about the start of the 2005 season, the team’s programmes and illustrate the technical details of the Desmosedici GP5.

“We were guided by a new philosophy during the design and the construction of the bike that we will be racing this year: in comparison to the GP4, the GP5 is an evolution not a revolution” declared Claudio Domenicali. “For example, the latest technical solutions we tested at Valencia last November, which are still being developed, do not completely change the handling of the bike, in particular in view of the most important change that has been made: the tyres. Bridgestone for us will be an important partner, one with whom we have immediately established an excellent rapport”.

The meeting also offered Domenicali the opportunity to announce an important project, details of which for the moment are still being defined: the Tyre Test Team, which will be set up in collaboration with the Japanese tyre manufacturer. This project, which has come about due to the two companies’ joint commitment to specifically develop tyres, will see Japanese rider Shinichi Itoh become official test-rider and will involve a group of dedicated technicians, including a Ducati Corse engineer.

Loris Capirossi is ready to tackle his third season with the Borgo Panigale team with renewed enthusiasm, as emerged clearly from his declarations.

“Moving to Ducati in 2003 was very important for me: I am proud to form a part of this family, in which I have found a group of competent and passionate people” said Loris. “The first year was fantastic, but the following year, on the other hand, saw us in a bit of difficulty at the start. The company reacted well, remained united and we worked hard until we found the equilibrium we were looking for. I am pleased with the Bridgestone tyres and in particular with the front, which adapts well to my riding style. It’s too early to make any forecasts, but for the moment I can say that I am happy and sure that we will soon be competitive”.

Carlos Checa admitted that he had a ‘soft spot’ for the Borgo Panigale manufacturer. After a first approach between the two parties two years ago, the Spanish rider can now finally wear the colours of the Ducati Marlboro Team. Immediately right on the pace with the Desmosedici, Carlos has established a good rapport with his new team and is ready to develop the new GP5 machine.

“I have always been attracted by Ducati and I am delighted to be a part of them now” declared a smiling Checa. “I already found a good feeling with the team and the new bike during the first tests we made in Spain. Of course, it’s far too early to say what will happen: for the moment there is a lot of work to do, but I am very motivated and ready for the challenge”.