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Q. The Ducati MotoGP bike makes 220 horsepower or more. Is GP racing still a game where ultimate power wins, or is it developing into a game of tractability at that level of power?

A. We are working on the 2004 GP bike now and we are concentrating on making it more powerful and more tractable. More traction, more braking, and more aerodynamic. It's a bit of everything. It's not just one or two areas of development.

The 2004 bike, although it is still just a drawing, will be a development of the 2003 bike, but a quite strong one. We understand a lot from the old bike. And we are in the process of making the 3D models of the new bike, and we have started making parts for winter testing. We did some partial tests with the new ideas and they were working very well in Valencia.

Q. When Ducati started GP racing, you had two engine configurations, including a twin-style engine. That was left behind as you went to a conventional V-4 style mill. Is any work being done on the twin?

A. It's still here. I think it will be seen not too far from now. There are some very good points on that engine. We just need to work in priorities. But definitely it will come up.

Q. Because if it could make the power, it would seem to be much more tractable than what you're using now.

A. It has some advantages, yes. Either it is more tractable or more user-friendly for the rider. It definitely has some advantages.

Q. Is engine development on the GP bike still a game of developing all-out power or are you still trying to harness the power with electronics?

A. Electronics are still a huge part of it. The bike is very much on the limit so the electronics are of a big help to the rider. We write our own software for the engine management and bike management so it is very flexible and always evolving.

Q. Can we talk about riders? Troy Bayliss must be classified as the most amazing rider you have ever worked with.

A. I think it's quite peculiar. I don't thin he has been seen in MotoGP with his full potential. He missed out on Rookie of the Year by two points; and had an incredibly good result thrown away at Phillip Island with his crash. Nicky did a very good season, and incredible one, but Troy was on the podium three times.

Q. And there will be four Ducatis on the grid next year

A. The customer team will use the level of machinery that we used this year. I think it will be a very competitive motorcycle even next year. It will be like the relationship we had with GSE for so long in Ducati in World Superbike. Neil Hodgson won races on that bike, beating us.

Q. How much more expensive it is to run a factory team in GP versus World Superbike? Double? Three times?

A. There is a lot of expense in MotoGP, and all areas are more expensive. There is the expense of the riders, the team, the bike and the crew. Also, it's more rounds. Plus the travel. Japan twice, Malaysia, Australia and Rio. It's difficult to say the exact number, but it is somewhere in what you're saying.

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