Updated: Ducati, Rossi and the new 2011 Mega-Monster - First Look

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To my knowledge (and I have known Ducati for more years than I care to count), this is the first time that Ducati marks real, solid profits. At the end of the first six months of the year, Ducati posted a substantial €66 million EBIDTA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization). This is by a few light years the best financial result in the Italian "motorcycle" industry, and it was achieved thanks to the extremely wise and capable policy inaugurated by Del Torchio based on huge investments in research and development, quality control and reliability. Ducati has improved so much in these terms to be rated the best motorcycle make in Europe, with warranty costs that have declined by 70 percent.
"Now, Ducati primarily delivers what we intended was its mission in the motorcycling world: emotional, gratifying quality," says Del Torchio, with a note of pride in his voice." The productivity went up at the same rate with quality, thanks to new, high-precision, digitally controlled tooling. The revamped enthusiasm and discipline of our manpower greatly contributed to ensure repeatability to the new quality standards that has turned every Ducati into 'authentic Italian performance.' We have more challenges in front of us. This season will not bring to Ducati any crown in the sport, but I look forward to Valentino Rossi teaming up with Nicky Hayden.
"Nicky is a wonderful person and a great rider. This year, he greatly contributed to improving our Desmosedici racer. Next year, he and Valentino will hone the bike to its ultimate winning potential. We knew that we were going to face a tough year in World Superbike. The new rules don't help; someone was allowed to bend them, and our 1198 has reached its ultimate potential. In two years, we shall be ready with our new 1200cc Twin