About a week ago, when it seemed pretty clear that Ducati was going to pull out of US Superbike for the 2007 season and beyond, I asked six-time US Superbike champion Mat Mladin a few questions about the situation. Mladin, as many recall, is a former Ducati factory rider (he rode for Fast by Ferracci in 1997) and has won races on both the Ducati and the Suzuki.

As the reigning Superbike champion, what are your feelings on Ducati's statements that they need WSBK-level equipment here in AMA in order to win?

Give them WSB equipment. I don't believe a crank and gearbox would make a lot of difference. After the traction control rule was introduced in AMA a few weeks ago the results have been the same.

You've read Hodgson's statements about his not winning in AMA because of the technical rules. Do you feel that's accurate, that Ducati riders here are being hindered simply by the rules?

I believe if Troy Bayliss was here the results would be different.

Ducati is said to be pulling out of US Superbike. Your general reaction is?

They had a rules advantage for years. It is the reason they won so many WSB titles. What about the races Eric won here last year? Does that mean the bike is only good at certain tracks and not others? Doubt it. I think Ducati are looking in the wrong place for results.