Imola (Italy), Wednesday 22nd September: Ducati Xerox riders Noriyuki Haga and Michel Fabrizio both hope to be celebrating on Sunday afternoon in front of thousands of loyal Ducatisti that will flock to the track for the coming’s weekend races.
Last year Ducati riders Noriyuki and Michel divided the spoils between them, Nitro-Nori triumphing in Race 1 after battling against team-mate Michel and Max Biaggi, with Michel crossing the line ahead of Nori in the second race for a spectacular Ducati one-two.
Haga, riding high after his latest Nurburgring win and the birth of his third child, will undoubtedly be determined and motivated, as will his team-mate Michel, with both wanting to do well at Ducati’s home track and score as many points as possible in the final two rounds of the 2010 season.
The team tested at the Imola autodromo over the summer with very promising results, meaning that the factory squad is in a confident state of mind going into the penultimate round.
Noriyuki Haga (6th in championship, 202 points)
After his recent success in Germany, Noriyuki wants the winning streak to continue.
“I had a great weekend at Nurburgring and this has made me more determined to take wins at these final two rounds of Imola and Magny-Cours. I haven’t been getting much sleep since the birth of baby Kanon but I’ll be ready and raring to go on Friday. I hear we’re going to have a huge number of guests, all coming to the track to support us one last time, so it’s important we put on the best possible show for them.”
Haga’s Superbike form at Imola:
2009: Race 1 – winner, Race 2 – 2nd
2006: Race 1 – 4th, Race 2 – 6th
2005: Race 1 – 3rd
2004: Race 1 – 4th, Race 2 – DNF
2002: Race 1 – 5th, Race 2 – 4th
Michel Fabrizio (10th in championship, 160 points)
Fabrizio hopes for the best weekend of his 2010 season.
“Imola is going to be emotional for the whole team. Our final Italian round as part of the Ducati Xerox squad, at Ducati’s home track. Nothing less than a win will do this weekend. Winning is the most fitting way to celebrate these last three years with the factory team and repay all the guys for their dedication.”
Fabrizio’s Superbike form at Imola:
2009: Race 1 – 3rd, Race 2 – winner
2006: Race 1 – DNF, Race 2 – DNF
CIRCUIT DATA:
Country: Italy
Name: Autodromo di Imola
Circuit length: 4.936 km
Pole position: left
Corners left: 10
Corners right: 6
Race distance: 21 laps = 103.656 km
LAP RECORDS: Fastest lap – Haga (Ducati Xerox) 1’48.982 (2009). Superpole – Fabrizio (Ducati Xerox) 1’47.735 (2009).
2009 RESULTS: Race 1 – 1. Haga (Ducati Xerox); 2. Biaggi (Aprilia); 3. Fabrizio (Ducati Xerox). Race 2 – 1. Fabrizio (Ducati Xerox); 2. Haga (Ducati Xerox); 3. Simoncelli (Aprilia).
