Wrooom 2010
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Wroom 2010 ends with two spectacular ice races won by Ferrarista Felipe Massa & Ducatista Nicky HaydenJanuary 15
The 20th edition of the Wrooom Press Ski Meeting concluded today with two spectacular races on the frozen lake in Madonna di Campiglio.
The first, in Panda 4x4 cars, was won by Felipe Massa and the Brazilian was joined on the podium by Casey Stoner and Nicky Hayden, with Fernando Alonso crossing the line fourth ahead of Giancarlo Fisichella.
The second was a go-kart race dominated from start to finish by Hayden, who shared the podium champagne with Massa and Stoner, with Alonso unable to make the finish after crashing into the protective barriers.
The exhibition races were enjoyed by a huge crowd, who took the opportunity to show their support for the MotoGP and F1 stars as they went head-to-head in their machines, resplendent in the colours of each individual driver.
With the Wrooom event coming to a close, the Ducati Marlboro Team's next appointment is a three-day test in preparation for the new season from 3-5 February in Malaysia.
Ducati Team riders look to the future as Wrooom 2010 opensJanuary 12
Wrooom 2010 burst into life today as the first day of press conferences got underway with Casey Stoner and Nicky Hayden under the spotlight. The Ducati MotoGP Team pair were in jovial mood as they faced a barrage of questions from the world’s media. Many of them centred around a topic that has dominated the motorcycle racing headlines for the past few months – the form and fitness of Casey Stoner.
“I’m fine and I feel great,” smiled the Australian. “I’ve been asked the same question pretty much every day since last October, which is obviously understandable, but I’m happy to reiterate that everything is okay. The lactose-free diet I’m following is proving to be effective and this is the first winter in three years that I’ve been able to train without any operations or injuries so that has been a great help. I feel we’re ready for next season, also because the test we did at Valencia following the final race of 2009 was really positive.
The new ‘big bang’ firing order that the Ducati engineers have been working on is definitely a step forward: it has improved traction and handling and it has reduced the bike’s tendency to wheelie. Now we have to work on finding the right settings for the GP10 and understanding how the bike reacts to different set-up changes, which will be different to the old bike. There are a few standout rivals for this season: Valentino Rossi is still the man to beat because he is the World Champion and he’s an extraordinary rider. Lorenzo and Dani will also be there – they are both fast and I’m sure their motivation is higher than ever.
I’m also sure Nicky will have plenty to celebrate this year – he had a difficult and unlucky first season with the team but he improved a lot towards the end and he was on the pace. I’d be happy for him because we have a great relationship and I think it is unusual to have an atmosphere in the garage like the one we have. There have been a few changes to the team with the arrival of Vittoriano (Guareschi) and Alessandro (Cicognani) but they are both doing a great job and I can’t wait to get back out on track for the first test of the year. The objective for 2010 is to win, as it is for everybody of course, but whether or not we manage it the most important thing is that we give it our best shot and I feel we can do that now.”
“I’m not going to start making excuses but 2009 was a very tough year for us – tougher than we expected,” admitted the typically honest Nicky Hayden. “But I am proud of the way myself and my team reacted and of the results we managed through hard work and by keeping faith in ourselves and our bike. To step onto the podium at Indy and to score consistent top five finishes in races and tests towards the end of the year, having started out fifteenth or sixteenth at the start of the year, represents huge progress. I have high hopes for 2010: I like the bike I rode in the test at Valencia and I’m pleased with the changes. Now we have to find a good base set-up that is going to work at different circuits so that we can get straight on the pace without having to change too much.
Having Vittoriano, a fellow rider who knows the bike to perfection and can pick up on our feedback immediately, is a great help. It is sometimes difficult to find the limit of the Desmosedici but its potential is huge - Casey has shown that in the past and he continues to do so. Sure, he has a special connection with the bike and he is an incredible talent, but I am confident that we can make some steps forward too.”
Tomorrow (Wednesday 13th) the Director General of Ducati Motor, Mr Claudio Domenicali, will face the press ahead of the eagerly anticipated official unveiling of the Ducati Desmosedici GP 10.
Wrooom 2010 opens...Madonna di Campiglio (Italy)
Wrooom –Press Ski Meeting 2010 has officially opened, a week that traditionally combines spectacle, sport and meetings with the international press in Madonna di Campiglio’s magnificent Dolomites. Events will get underway tomorrow, with press conferences with the two Ducati MotoGP Team riders, Casey Stoner and Nicky Hayden.
On Wednesday 13th it will be the turn of Claudio Domenicali, General Manager of Ducati Motor Holding. Another key moment will be the official presentation of the Ducati Desmosedici GP 10.
The week, that also includes events dedicated to the Scuderia Ferrari , will conclude on Friday 15th January
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