Crutchlow and Dovizioso eager to work with new Ducati boss

Cal Crutchlow and Andrea Dovizioso have spoke of their excitement and anticipation at the prospect of working with new Ducati MotoGP boss Gigi Dall’Igna in 2014.

The Italian’s appointment as the new Ducati Corse supremo was confirmed yesterday (Thursday) and after agreeing to quit Aprilia, Dall’Igna is replacing current chief Bernhard Gobmeier immediately after the final race in Valencia next month.

British rider Crutchlow, who will join Ducati on a lucrative two-year deal next season, said he was looking forward to see what Dall’Igna can bring to the Bologna factory’s struggling MotoGP project.

Ducati hasn’t come close to scoring a single podium in 2013 and it is now over a year since Valentino Rossi finished second in Misano for the last Desmosedici rostrum.

Ducati clearly has quickly lost faith in Gobmeier’s ability to arrest its alarming decline and Crutchlow said: “I knew a long time ago that stuff was happening and while it wasn’t confirmed it was Gigi I knew there was an option there for him to come and I was pleased if it was going to be him.

“I don’t think that’s the end of it. I think they will bring in more people but it is still going to take a lot of time. I’m not saying he won’t look at the bike before November but he can’t do anything.

“I don’t think there is much Gigi can do now because he is still working for Aprilia but it is very good news. I’m optimistic and looking forward to it but I think Gigi is a good guy to do it.”

Current Ducati rider Dovizioso, who has experienced a nightmare first season with the Italian brand, said he too was optimistic and excited to see what fresh ideas Dall’Igna will bring from Aprilia.

Dovizioso, who has only scored two top six finishes in a torrid 2013, said: “I have never really spoken with him but his results in WSB shows his bike is working well and also in CRT.

“From what I know to get this result with not really a big budget is good and interesting. I think the budget in Ducati will be bigger for next year than normally what he had until now so the feeling is good.

“I will speak with him very soon and I will speak about everything from my experience of one-year with Ducati. I will try and explain from my side but sure he has to understand and speak with the people in Ducati. 

“I still didn’t speak with him so I don’t know if he has one plan but I think he has to meet all the people in Ducati and make a decision. Also I am really interested to speak with him about that.”

Asked whether Dall’Igna would need to make wholesale technical and personnel changes when he arrives on November 11, the former 125GP world champion added: “I don’t know how much time we need to make a big change. Everybody can easily see we have a big limit and we can’t race with this bike.

“Sure we have to change but this bike is not working and we need a big change. With Gigi we can do that and I want to be positive.”