Aruba.it Racing – Ducati rider Davide Giugliano started the 2015 season injured. Not until Imola did the Roman recover enough to take part in a race weekend, returning in spectacular style to take pole position and finish on the podium in Race 1. Still not back to full fitness but determined to race, there were a further two podiums for the 26-year-old, at Portimão and Misano, before a big crash at Laguna Seca saw the Italian suffer another injury to his back, sidelining him for the rest of the season.

2016 is an opportunity to reload for the Roman, with two new faces in his pit box: Aligi Deganello, his new Crew Chief, and Paolo Biasio, Electronics Engineer. The two have worked together before, including winning the 250 World Championship with the late Marco Simoncelli, and are looking forward to the challenge of taking the number 34 rider from fast promise to proven winner.

“I knew he was very fast, I guess everyone did. Now, we have to show everyone he can also be consistent,” explained Deganello. “I always feel sorry for fierce riders like him when they fail to achieve the results within their reach and suffer, even physically. He’s eager for redemption, and knows he has to change something in his approach to make the most of his potential.” Potential is certainly something Giugliano has shown, leading races but as yet not having achieved that elusive first win. “He races with his heart, but sometimes it’s not enough. But his determination and passion can take him far, and he’s a very sincere guy who’s capable of giving accurate feedback.”

Chaz Davies, 2015 Championship runner-up and Giugliano’s teammate, showed last year how to unlock the potential of the Ducati 1199 Panigale R, taking the first victory for the bike at MotorLand Aragon in Race 2. The Welshman made steady progress on the machine throughout the season to emerge as the closest challenger to eventual Champion Jonathan Rea, something Giugliano wasn’t able to fight for after being denied the chance through injury.

So what is the key to capturing glory with an injury-free and motivated Giugliano? According to Biasio, “What makes you a winner is the long-term approach. You have to think about the whole season, not one race at a time, and think about your choices both from a technical and sporting perspective. You have to take the right steps at the right time.”

“The ability to stay focused, both on and off the bike,” adds Deganello, optimistic about the potential season ahead. “Sometimes, during races, he reasons with his heart, but you also need clear focus to bring home the best possible result. Davide has already shown he knows what it takes, he only has to keep this approach constantly. I’m sure he will be successful.”

With progress on the cards for both bike and rider, all eyes will be on theAruba.it Racing – Ducati squad launch on the 10th of February in Arezzo, Italy, when they unveil their 2016 challenger.