The Gresini team is starting again on new bases in MotoGP, with two new riders, who are acquaintances however, and two Ducatis who succeed the two Aprilia RS-GP. Because the troops of the late Fausto had until then served the interests of the Noale brand, which entered the category through this door opened by the late eponymous boss. A disappearance which obviously shook the Italian house which demonstrated its solid family foundations during the event. The partner and the sons have taken up the torch and Carlo Merlini will be the gray eminence. He recounts the establishment of the new organization by recalling the history…
A story that is indeed worth remembering. Carlo Merlini says thus: “ I would also like to remind you thatbefore Aprilia we were a Honda satellite team for a very long time. We are, so to speak, what we were before our time with Aprilia », begins the Italian. So we’re not starting from nothing… “ If you look at this year's Aprilia team, I would say about half were Aprilia employees and the other half came from Gresini. Closing out the Moto3 project, we were able to select some of the best mechanics to promote to MotoGP, as well as some new additions from Avintia. In that regard, it was a major change, but everything seems fine ».
On the change of manufacturer, Merlins reveals the details of this choice: “ Aprilia was definitely an option. They asked us if we wanted to continue with them to continue our relationship as a satellite team. Ducati was the other option. We weighed all the aspects, sporting, technical and, of course, financial. When we got to the point of putting it all together, we felt the Ducati package was the best option overall. Perhaps the most difficult in some ways, but we wanted to take on this challenge and we are very happy with the decision. So far, so good ».
Team Gresini: “ we had to start without Fausto and no longer ride with Aprilia, but with Ducati«
A priori, Ducati is indeed the choice of the moment given the form displayed by the Desmosedici. It will still be necessary to ride them well and the team Gresini will be able to count a talented Italian duo composed ofEnea Bastianini and the rookie Fabio Di Giannantinio. Two pilots who should get along well: “ they know each other very well. They already rode in the Moto3 category for Gresini in 2016 and they also rode minimotos together. Careers unfolded in parallel ».
« We want to do well and we have everything to do well " exposed Carlo Merlini. “ Enea impressed last season. I think he's always been in the top ten in the last seven races and he got two podiums at Misano. We expect him to continue his development, now that he has a new team and a more modern bike than last year ».
He also has a lot of confidence in the newcomer: “ Diggia was really looking forward to the test. It was a lifelong dream, and probably every pilot's dream. I told him he was thinking too much about MotoGP in 2021, but overall he had a very good season and brought the Gresini Moto2 team back to victory and a string of podiums. We ask him not to rush anything. He must become familiar with the motorcycle and find his way around it ».
The Italian ends with what is undoubtedly the most important: the state of mind that has always reigned within the structure Gresini : " the first test was moving. It was the start of a new chapter for Gresini Racing, because we had to start without Fausto and no longer ride with Aprilia, but with Ducati. The absolute plan is to transparently build on the past. We don't want to change things, even if it won't be the same as before. But as far as the team profile is concerned, we just want to continue and keep things going like before ". And he concludes with speed week : " it will be a very good and exciting season ". Which will begin on March 6 with the first race in Qatar.
