Ducati has lost several technical figures who have merged into KTM. Much information will end up in the hands of opponents.
KTM is a brand that has always established itself at the top of the two-wheeled motorsport categories in which it has participated. Only the title is missing MotoGP to complete the work of the Mattighofen manufacturer, not an easy undertaking if one considers the still rather substantial technical gap that exists between the RC16 prototype and its rivals, starting with the Ducati Desmosedici GP reigning champion. But the top management of the Austrian brand are working to reduce the distances and wait for the right moment to overtake.
To succeed in this mammoth ambition, KTM is strengthening its technical department and rider line-up, taking some valuable “pieces” from Ducati. They started with Fabiano Sterlacchini in 2021, with Francesco Guidotti from the beginning of 2022, now with Alberto Giribuola who will officially enter work from 1 January. To these must be added Cristhian Pupulin, chief engineer of Jack Millerand the same Australian driver who will join Brad Binder in the factory box.
Secret data from Ducati to KTM
In recent years, Ducati has lost several engineers who have gone on to strengthen the ranks of the Austrian brand. With them they could bring important information and secrets that would facilitate KTM’s task. A price that unfortunately the Borgo Panigale manufacturer had to pay. But the ds Paul Ciabatti he doesn’t seem bothered by this brain drain: “We are not worried. It’s something we can’t stop and it happens“, he said in an interview with ‘Autosport’.
The Emilian brand was unable to keep Jack Miller with it, given that the offer was not considered attractive enough by the Australian. “We wanted to offer him a factory bike with Pramac, but only with a one-year contract. He had the chance to be a factory rider for two years with KTM, probably even with a slightly better salary“. It is also difficult to curb the outflow of engineers, given that Ducati has been able to set up a large group of highly qualified people who have found better professional outlets elsewhere.
For Ducati it is a source of pride, but he will have to roll up his sleeves and not let his guard down. “We are proud to have raised highly qualified engineers and obviously we are very sorry when they decide to leave Ducati“, continued Paolo Ciabatti. “Sometimes they ask for a different role in the team and it’s not possible. They will carry a lot of information, but that’s about it“.
