Just before Christmas we told you that former Ducati Xerox team manager Davide Tardozzi was heading to BMW, officially there’s no press release yet, but Tardozzi, speaking with Italian website gpone.
com has confirmed that he will be infact in the WSBK paddock and manage the BMW team this year.
Here’s what Tardozzi had to say about his upcoming challenge and he’s very matter of fact about the work and the goals that he set out and wants to obtain with WSBK team: “It won’t be our objective to win this year, but in 2010 we’ll try to do what Aprilia did in 2009.
A couple of podiums and maybe a win so we can be ready to fight for the title in 2011.
”BMW has tied up the Italian manager for the next three years.
“BMW has been really great.
They’ve given me the opportunity to move on at the end of 2010 if I want to, but they’ve also given me the option to stay on for another two years.
”Judging by his words Tardozzi is also looking towards the future and would like to run a MotoGP team one day and reading between the lines it looks like he wasn’t asked to replace Livio Suppo in Marlboro Ducati:“In MotoGP? Why not? To be sincere it kind of upset me that … so if I have the opportunity… the new MotoGP rules will have 1000cc engine with a maximum bore of 81mm and the S1000 RR has 80.
The biggest in production.
” Tardozzi is already already working on organizing and planning the 2010 season.
“After the tests at Portimao we’ll be heading to Valencia sharing the track with Ducati and Aprilia.
We’ll get our butts kicked but we’ll better understand where we stand.
”The Italian manager is convinced that the 2010 championship will be between Ducati and Aprilia.
“I’m convinced and seeing how the 2009 season went, and my odds are on Max Biaggi.
Max is 38 but he’s like Troy Bayliss, complete and highly motivated.
”Asked if he’s got any any ideas of revenge against Ducati, Tardozzi replied:“No way.
They also made a lot of changes, but the bike and team are tried and true.
There’s no reason that they should do worse than in 2009.
They’ll fight for the title.
”And in MotoGP?Ducati has the best rider in the championship and no one can deny it and that’s Casey Stoner.
The new rules that have cut testing time helps him, he just needs one lap to go fast!