Could there be a cacophony in the upper Ducati circles? In the MotoGP project, in any case, Gigi Dall'Igna was forced to clarify the Michelin question. We know that the new rear tire brought by the only manufacturer in the category was detrimental to the Desmosedici while it delighted the competition. In 2021, it would be desirable not to relive the suffering experienced against the clock in 2020, and a complaint would have gone from Borgo Panigale to Clermont-Ferrand for a new front tire. Really ?
The idea of a negotiation between Michelin et Ducati came from inside the brand box with Davide Tardozzi. The Spanish site As.com reported the team leader’s words as follows: “ This is our situation. With the new tire the problem at the front got worse. We are putting pressure on Michelin to improve the situation, not only to help Ducati, but also other teams who have the same problem ».
He adds : " We will see what happens this winter and if Michelin will allow us to try another front tire during our tests in Malaysia and Qatar. It's a political situation. We really hope this new tire arrives ».
Dall'Igna takes control of the Michelin file
An approach that has not been validated by Gigi Dall'Igna : " the new Michelin was a significant change » recognizes the Italian. “ The fact of not having tested it and finding the right configuration then influenced the course of the championship ". This observation made, he asserts on GP One : " we didn't ask Michelin anything. The rear tire provides more grip, which is an advantage in itself. But there are motorcycles that were able to benefit more than others. In certain situations we were no longer able to exploit the advantage we had by drifting the rear under braking ».
Dall'Igna adds: " other motorcycles that tended to brake more while staying upright saw significant improvement. From a curve exit point of view, the advantage was similar for everyone. We lost the advantage we had when braking with the bike tilted ».
This observation made, and this clarification established, Dall'Igna knows what he needs to do for 2021: “ we must intervene to allow drivers to regain confidence when it is cold and there is little grip ". Because otherwise, the bike is good: “ we did well everywhere. Ducati has not had ups and downs ».
In 2021, we will remember that the brand has profoundly changed its driver team by betting on Jack Miller et Pecco Bagnaia while recruiting three rookies with Jorge Martin, Enea Bastianini et Luca Marini. Johann zarco has also been retained and appears to be the most experienced of the troop...
