Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Ducati Corse may not field an official factory team in the 2004 World Superbike Championship due to the spec tire plan unveiled by FGSport Group, organizers of the World Superbike Championship.

That’s the word from Claudio Domenicali, CEO of Ducati Corse. “We have a long-lasting Michelin tradition,” said Domenicali Saturday in the paddock at Laguna Seca Raceway. “I think if we have to change it, we’ll have to think about it, you know?

“We have not been told who is the one tire manufacturer. I think it’s more possible it’s not Michelin.”

Asked if it is possible there may not a Ducati Corse team in World Superbike next year, Domenicali said, “Yeah, everything is changing, so we will plan next year when everything is more clear. We have a lot of interest in Superbike, World Superbike. So we would like to be present at a good level, but let’s see what happens.”

Domenicali said FGSport Group officials talked to him in detail about new Superbike technical rules but did not consult Ducati Corse about spec tires.

“We talked a lot about the regulation but not about the tires,” said Domenicali. “With the spec tire, it is too early to say. It is a brand-new concept, so we have to get used to it. We have to see how different people feel.

“On the sporting side, with one tire manufacturer it is possible to have more competitive race. On the other hand, the World Championship is used by tire manufacturers to develop product also. So you have to find the proper balance, you know?”

Domenicali also said that there will be a satellite MotoGP team in 2004 using 2003-spec Desmosedici machines, but “who will be riding where, we will not know this until the end of the month. We are in discussion with several teams and riders.”

Domenicali is attending the races at Laguna Seca rather than the British Grand Prix in order to attend meetings over Superbike technical rules proposed by FGSport Group.