Six laps before the checkered flag marking the finish of the Malaysian Grand Prix, Jorge Lorenzo received an enigmatic message on the dashboard of his Ducati GP17 Desmosedici…
The latter suggested using cartography #8. Obviously, it was interpreted by the public as an instruction to let Andrea Dovizioso pass in order to give Ducati a tiny chance of winning the world title at the last round in Valencia.
Even if Jorge Lorenzo did not have to do it since he involuntarily lost the grip of his front axle in the last corner of the circuit, the question was asked to the director of Ducati Corse, Gigi D'all Igna, by Movistar MotoGP journalists. His answer is not really very difficult to understand...
« I think we did something fantastic, we did the right thing to do in these conditions. Both drivers used their heads in a very difficult moment for us, very important. I have to especially thank Jorge, who today did the fairest and most important thing for Ducati. I think he deserves special thanks. At times you have to think about those who are at the factory working hard to win the World Championship. These are painful choices, but they must be made. Resisting Marquez until the last race is already a success. In Valencia it will be very difficult, but we will try. »
Indeed, the words seem to match the images…
Jorge Lorenzo was also questioned about this famous cartography #8 with its hidden meaning…
“I suppose that's why they did it, but I sincerely repeat that I didn't see anything. I wasn't told the meaning before, I had no idea. »
Andrea Dovizioso was also unaware of the slightest plan prepared in advance and insists on not having asked anything from Ducati…
« Although we live in a somewhat unusual world, I am not a political pilot. I'm not a driver who likes to win with the help of others. JI didn't speak with Ducati at all, even though I could have said 'Okay, it's time to help me', but I didn't, and I don't like these things, these things shouldn't make me dirty. I don't know anything, if you ask Ducati, like I said, I'm not a political rider. I don't talk about these things or I'm not going to have the boss and say, 'Hey, now we have to do this.' I'm athletic, I really love this sport, I love it and I have to win the right way. »
In the end, it seems that nothing was precisely planned by Ducati before the start with the riders, even if Davide Tardozzi confirms having raised the subject, but that, faced with the urgency of the situation, the men of Borgo Panigale sent this cryptic message... for nothing!
Can we really blame them?
Source: todocircuito.com
