Valentino Rossi’s Tenure with Ducati ‘Was a Great Disappointment’, Admits Claudio Domenicali
Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali has candidly addressed Valentino Rossi’s two-year stint with the Italian manufacturer, describing it as “a great disappointment.” Speaking in a recent interview, Domenicali acknowledged the high expectations surrounding the partnership but admitted the collaboration did not yield the desired results.
Rossi, a seven-time MotoGP world champion, joined Ducati in 2011 amidst much fanfare. The pairing of Italy’s most celebrated rider with its iconic motorcycle brand seemed like a dream team. However, the partnership struggled from the outset. Over the two seasons, Rossi managed only three podium finishes and failed to secure a single victory, a stark contrast to his dominant performances with Honda and Yamaha.
Domenicali reflected on the reasons behind the underwhelming results, citing both technical challenges and the difficulty of adapting the Desmosedici bike to Rossi’s riding style. “The expectations were enormous, but the reality was different. It was a hard lesson for us, and it pushed us to rethink our approach,” he explained.
The Ducati CEO emphasized that the experience ultimately contributed to the brand’s resurgence in MotoGP. The company shifted its focus toward innovation, bike development, and fostering a strong rider-manufacturer relationship. This philosophy has paid off in recent years, with Ducati clinching the 2022 and 2023 riders’ championships with Francesco Bagnaia.
Despite the disappointment, Domenicali expressed respect for Rossi’s legacy. “Valentino remains one of the greatest riders in history. His time with us didn’t work out, but it was part of our journey toward becoming stronger,” he said.
Rossi returned to Yamaha in 2013, where he revitalized his career before retiring from MotoGP in 2021. Ducati, meanwhile, has since established itself as a dominant force in the premier class, reflecting lessons learned from its challen
ging years.
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