Ducati expecting more from Rinaldi in 2022 WorldSBK season

Following a solid first season as an Aruba.it Ducati rider, Team Principal, Serafino Foti, wants to see more from Michael Rinaldi during the 2022 WorldSBK season.

The Italian claimed three wins throughout the 2021 season which was four less than team-mate Scott Redding, however, consistency was the main issue as it led to him finishing 221 points behind the new BMW rider. 

Rinaldi’s first two wins came at round three in Misano as he utterly dominated race one and the Superpole race. 

Rinaldi then finished second in race two behind eventual world champion Toprak Razgatlioglu, but the former GoEleven Ducati rider managed just one podium in his next 15 races which came at Assen when he initially finished fourth. 

Razgatlioglu and Pata Yamaha team-mate Andrea Locatelli were second and third during the Superpole race, before it was deemed both riders went onto the off-track green areas, therefore handing Rinaldi a fortuitous rostrum. 

He was then bettered by Locatelli for much of the season as the series rookie went on to pip Rinaldi to fourth in the standings. 

So while it was a decent first season in the factory team, it’s no surprise Ducati wants to see more from the 26 year-old who will have the tough task of going up against Alvaro Bautista this year. 

When speaking about the 2021 season and Rinaldi in particular, Foti told the official World Superbike website: "Regarding Michael, the balance of the season is positive because he won races and finished the championship in the top five. 

"This is not so bad. Of course, we expect more for next year. We need to work in some of our critical points, for example, we need to work regarding consistent results. 

"So, if we improve this aspect, I think he can fight for the podium in every race next year."