QUOTE
Fonsi Nieto recently joined the ranks of the World Superbikes paddock with the SC Caracchi Ducati team, after finishing just seventh in the 250GP world championship.
But, at his first 'real' outing for the team, during a recent test at Valencia, Nieto turned heads by setting the fourth fastest time behind 2004 champion James Toseland.
Crash.net Radio reporter Johnny Green caught up with the Spanish rider at the test, and asked him the question on everyone's mind – why WSBK and not MotoGP?
"First of all Ducati called me up and asked me to come testing, and I couldn't refuse that," he stated. "I think this is a very good thing for me, and besides I have dreams of racing for Ducati."
Nieto's management had been in talks with not only SC Caracchi Ducati for WSBK, but also D'Antin Ducati for the MotoGP series.
However, Nieto wanted the most competitive package possible and with the 2004 Ducati MotoGP machine - which D'Antin will be using for 2005 - not being competitive for most of last year, it is highly likely that the machine, and its new Dunlop tyres, will struggle against the new for 2005 factory machines this year.
Therefore Nieto took the most competitive package on the world scene he could find.
"I think this is the best bike, it has won most of the (WSBK) championships but it was a very difficult decision to make. I have never raced a four-stroke bike, or even on Pirelli tyres," continued Nieto.
Nieto's decision to come to WSBK from MotoGP surprised a number of people, as in most cases, riders believe MotoGP to be the worlds premier class.
However Nieto believes he is one of the first of many likely to migrate into the Superbike series in the future.
"I think the World Superbike series is soon going to be considered the premier class," he commented. "Every year it gets stronger and that I think will make MotoGP riders want to come here (WSBK)."
The first race of the 2005 World Superbike championship takes place on 26th February at Qatar.
Article from: Crash.Net
But, at his first 'real' outing for the team, during a recent test at Valencia, Nieto turned heads by setting the fourth fastest time behind 2004 champion James Toseland.
Crash.net Radio reporter Johnny Green caught up with the Spanish rider at the test, and asked him the question on everyone's mind – why WSBK and not MotoGP?
"First of all Ducati called me up and asked me to come testing, and I couldn't refuse that," he stated. "I think this is a very good thing for me, and besides I have dreams of racing for Ducati."
Nieto's management had been in talks with not only SC Caracchi Ducati for WSBK, but also D'Antin Ducati for the MotoGP series.
However, Nieto wanted the most competitive package possible and with the 2004 Ducati MotoGP machine - which D'Antin will be using for 2005 - not being competitive for most of last year, it is highly likely that the machine, and its new Dunlop tyres, will struggle against the new for 2005 factory machines this year.
Therefore Nieto took the most competitive package on the world scene he could find.
"I think this is the best bike, it has won most of the (WSBK) championships but it was a very difficult decision to make. I have never raced a four-stroke bike, or even on Pirelli tyres," continued Nieto.
Nieto's decision to come to WSBK from MotoGP surprised a number of people, as in most cases, riders believe MotoGP to be the worlds premier class.
However Nieto believes he is one of the first of many likely to migrate into the Superbike series in the future.
"I think the World Superbike series is soon going to be considered the premier class," he commented. "Every year it gets stronger and that I think will make MotoGP riders want to come here (WSBK)."
The first race of the 2005 World Superbike championship takes place on 26th February at Qatar.
Article from: Crash.Net
