After the official presentation of the team last Friday, Pirro is heading to Malaysia where he will meet up with Casey Stoner for the first tests. The test drivers from the different brands will in fact be racing at Sepang this week to rough out the new machines, which the regular drivers will use the following week.
“Next week we will prepare for the new season, explained Pirro to gpone.com. The arrival of Jorge is a big change. Obviously, we are well aware that there will be a lot of work to do. This year we can count on a definitive basis for the 2017 bike. I think this is a big step forward. We are able to have a bike that is 80% the one that will start the championship.
“I think our bike has strong points, but also weaknesses. Maybe it's not quite fair to say she's physical. Maybe there are just some limitations that we already know and need to work on. Obviously we will need to understand what to change with the use of fins or not. These provide greater stability, allowing you to exit turns with a more comfortable position. Without ailerons, you enter turns with less stability at the front. Unfortunately, this was rather underestimated at the start.
“Last year we were competitive in the last few races. We can continue this momentum again this year. Jorge will have to adapt, but we have everything we need to stay with the best. Development began before Lorenzo arrived. Right now the setup makes a difference and on the track we will try to work on some aspects with the aim of making the bike easier for everyone to use.
“Lorenzo and Dovizioso I think form the right balance, they’re a perfect pair. They both have the same way of seeing things and thinking as I do. Jorge has gained a lot and Andrea will be able to take advantage of his presence to draw the energy he needs to develop.
“I will participate in the two GPs in Italy, as well as in Spain. Then I go to CIV with Pirelli tires. »
Photos © Ducati 2016
