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He brought Aprilia back to a high level in Superbike and when he moved to Ducati he replicated by making the Borgo Panigale company go down in history thanks to the victory of two championships in a row in MotoGP and SBK. Despite such a qualified curriculum, Gigi Dall'Igna continues to keep a low profile and repeat like a mantra that starting out being convinced that Ducati will dominate would be a mistake.
“I believe modesty is an important quality. It is necessary to always keep our feet on the ground - he confessed to us at Madonna di Campiglio - On the other hand, however, it is always difficult to improve and it will be even more so after what we achieved last year". However, the objective is clear. “We need to try to do a bit better. Raising the bar is inherent in human beauty."
The indications obtained in Valencia were positive, but the general manager of the Italian team does not want to have any illusions. “That is a test that I never consider very significant because the riders and technicians are tired – was his opinion – I am therefore waiting for Sepang to make a judgment on the evolutions made. In general we must try to do something more in light of the new regulations. Others will be able to develop the bike, for us it will be almost impossible. Having said that, the first rule is to respect your opponents and not pretend it's easy."
Looking to the future and the current line-up, the 57-year-old acknowledged that it will be difficult to keep all the current riders. “Contracts are expiring. They deserve an official bike and we have a limited number of them. It will be difficult to make them stay. We will try to adopt the old philosophy, which is to go fishing among the young riders."
What is certain is that Pecco will remain. “The desire is to close a deal with him before the start of the season. Since this is the agreement of a two-time MotoGP world champion, it is never simple. There is always work to be done and it will be done."
By playing with pairing each of his guys with a wine, Dall'Igna showed that he had quite clear ideas. "In my opinion, Pecco is an Amarone because it is one of my favourite wines. Martin is a Franciacorta because it is sparkling. Bezzecchi would also be from Franciacorta, but honestly I would define him as a Friulian white as it sometimes knows how to surprise. Marquez? For him I prefer to wait because just one day of testing is too little. And I am an aged wine. A beautiful Barolo."
The hope is that there will be plenty of opportunities for a ‘cheers’. "Toasting with those who collaborate with me is nice. I do it every time our bike performs well in a race. So I hope to do it often in this championship too", he concluded smiling.
