After a successful start to their partnership in 2003, Ducati and title sponsor Fila will be lining up this year with an all-new Anglo-French rider pairing, following the departure of reigning champion Neil Hodgson and team-mate
Ruben Xaus to
MotoGP.
Plucked from privateer Ducati outfits during the close season,
Regis Laconi and
James Toseland now have the task of continuing the Italian marque's successful record in the world's most prestigious production-based championship. Fourth and third respectively last year, the Frenchman and his British team-mate start the season amongst the favourites for the WSBK title, and are confident that they can live up to expectation.
Laconi starts the 2004 season on the back of a series of good results with the NCR Ducati team that earned him a place in the factory squad. The 28-year old from St Dizier is one of a select group of riders to have won at 500cc and Superbike level, and hopes to become the first Frenchman to win the WSBK crown since Raymond Roche in 1990.
"I can't wait to start the first race because we've done well in testing so far and I'm feeling really confident," Laconi declared, "We haven't seen all our potential yet but, so far, I think we have done a good job with the team and with the new Pirelli tyres.
"Starting the new season with the factory Ducati Fila team is not a big problem for me - the bike is different and the tyres are different, but these are the only two things I have to learn. I think the big difference in me now is that I have more experience and I use it better than before. I've waited a long time to be in a good factory team and they can help me do my best. I'm sure it's not going to be easy out there for me this year because you mustn't forget guys like James [Toseland], [Frankie] Chili, [Nori] Haga [and Garry] McCoy, but the most important thing is to get the first race over with, hopefully with a win, to see where we are."
