DucSyd hit the nail on the head. The fact is simple. NEW bike with VERY little testing time prior to the race season. Remember, they had few tests and the tests they did get were typically wet or poor/less than ideal conditions.
What I found also funny at the start of the year was the fact that in early development testing, they do NOT test in competition scenarios. Meaning, Aprilia, Kaw, BMW have been testing in competition scenarios. Ducati had to test parts, wear, baseline type stuff. Until they get the bike to where it is 100% ready, they were not going to do full competition runs. Parts testing and setup testing is a slow and lower pace process. All that got moot once Checa put that thing on pole the first race out.
Slow pace develops better results. Hence the great start.
My opinion is that IF Checa was healthy, they could test better, they would have better results. But, with the stupid old restriction rules in place on the new bike, they are with hands tied. But a healthy and hungry rider can make up for some of those restrictions. I personally think Checa can do it and still has the ability to do so. However, when you are older, injuries take longer to heal and get back to where you were prior. He's just not able to continue. I think the guy is iron just to make it through practice, qualifying, and race one... Think about this - he still out qualifies and out places younger and more fit riders on the same bike...
I think Ducati needs to put more money into a solid two rider team in WSBK. I think Checa is a great asset much like Bayliss still is and hopefully, Biaggi if that ever gets off the ground. But, getting a Hayden, Spies, etc would be even better. I'm not sold on Spies, though. I think he's got some kind of mental issue where he quits too easily or bows out when others would have stuck to it and carried on. Maybe he's smarter by pulling out and getting back to health for his future, but I worry he is just not into it as much as he should be.
Personally, I think doing what Yamaha did years ago with using WSBK as a feeder system into MotoGP is a great idea. Take the youth and slap them on the WSBK and groom them to be ready for MotoGP. They dont stay long, but they usually are amazing and end up putting in great races and show the capabilities of the machine. Hungry racers make for a great result...
I'm racing the bike in a regional series here. I am struggling with setup slightly and not running where i usually do. However, the bike has signs that it is equal to that of the liter bikes (in-lines) in certain areas. It's a matter of finding the setup that works for me, finding a way to learn and become one with the bike as quickly as I can. I came off a totally different machine and 15 years of racing in-lines. It takes time. But, it is coming along.
I'm not saying I am Checa. ...., I'm not even a star in the regional series. But, the bike is good. It's got the muscle we've not seen in twins at a stock level. The handling is really, really good. It is sensitive to chassis setup, but once you find that sweet spot, it rewards you well. Power? Yeah - it's got power and looking at the WSStk races, the bike is much more capable because it is more level in terms of the playing field. How WSBK can watch all but the Ducati and see them all having higher trap times and power levels and not lift the restrictions on the Duc is crazy to me. It's early enough to see what happens when they lift it. If they lift and the bike all of a sudden dominates, make some changes... Why restrict a bike that is nowhere near that of the previous machine?
Rant over. As stated - BE PATIENT!!
