President of Ducati Motor Holding Gabriele Del Torchio was at the Bologna Motor Show today to present the 1199 Panigale and in the usual press conference the Italian manager touched several bases, including the fact that 2011 has been the company’s best year for sales with an increase of over 30%, with North America being their best market followed by Italy and Germany and expects 2012 to be even better, despite a very lagging domestic market (and you can bet it is going to get even worse ).
Del Torchio also talked about Ducati’s GP team and Valentino Rossi commenting that Rossi lacked a bit of luck – actually, he said Rossi lacked “il fattore C” – which in Italian slang means “culo” or ass – and is an idiomatic expression meaning luck.
“It was a year of getting to know each other,” said Del Torchio.
“We had to learn Valentino’s riding style and he had to get to know us.
We did a great job.
Last year we lacked what Napoleon used to say was a key factor for his generals, the C factor.
We had a lot of bad luck.
Next year I think will be better, the new bike is very ‘interesting’.
Winter testing was encouraging and we’re keeping our fingers crossed.
I think it will be a very competitive season.
”Maybe Ducati was missing the ‘C factor’ in 2011, but they we’re definitely missing a certain rider whose first name starts with a C.
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