Redding and Rinaldi look ahead to WorldSBK season opener

Aruba.it Ducati’s championship ambitions get underway this weekend with round one of the 2021 WorldSBK season, while Scott Redding and Michael Ruben-Rinaldi return to a circuit that yielded victories for both in 2020. 

The two Ducati riders have enjoyed one of the better pre-season’s both individually, and as a team heading into their first season as team-mates. 

Redding finished the Official test at Catalunya second behind championship favorite Jonathan Rea, while Rinaldi has been every bit the match of his more experienced team-mate during tests at Misano and Aragon. 

With FP1 getting underway tomorrow at the MotorLand Aragon circuit, Redding has been discussing last season which helped him to understand several key components of WorldSBK, that he hopes can put him in a position to challenge for the title.

"We have been waiting for this moment for a very long time. We have worked hard over the past few months and I cannot wait to be back on track," said Redding.  

"Aragon may not be my favorite circuit but during the tests, we have proved that we can be competitive. 

"Last season brought me a lot of experience: I got to know new circuits, I learned to understand the tyres, and I got familiar with the format of WorldSBK: these factors will be very useful to fight for the world title."

Aragon was one of the better rounds for Redding in his rookie season as he won twice and took another two podiums in the double header at Teruel. 

But it wasn’t just a happy venue for the Brit, as Rinaldi also took his maiden win in World Superbike at Aragon as he came out on top during a duel with eventual champion Jonathan Rea. 

"We go to Aragon with great enthusiasm. It is a new championship, very special; I used the long winter break to work with my team, get to know them better, and to adapt to the bike," added Rinaldi. 

"It will be the first race for all of us and we will have to do our best from Friday. I am very confident because the Motorland is a track that adapts very well to both my riding style and the bike. 

"The key will be to keep calm during the weekend and try to get the best results as possible. I can’t wait to get on track on Friday." 

With Redding, Rinaldi and also former Aruba.it Ducati rider Chaz Davies all enjoying strong recent results in Aragon, Ducati are in a prime position to fare very well indeed.