MotoGP pre-tests for the 2018 season will begin next Wednesday in Sepang, with the official test riders. Then the permanent pilots will take over from January 28 to 30. Ducati is playing an important card this year, and several bookmakers already have Jorge Lorenzo as Marc Marquez's main opponent for the world title.
Many expect to see Lorenzo fighting for victory, perhaps sometimes one-on-one with your teammate Andrea Dovizioso.
“This is what I hope with all my heart – admits Dall’Igna – that would be great, but also a difficult situation to deal with. Every team manager hopes to find themselves in this situation. »
“Jorge, in the last part of the 2017 season, took a big step forward and if he won it wouldn't surprise me. He still needs something to get back to what he was in previous years, I think it’s confidence in certain situations.”
The engineer is satisfied with the work done and the evolution of the Ducati. For him, she is entirely capable of providing good opposition to the competition.
“I'm happy with what I have right now, he concedes. What we have is enough to be able to fight for the title.”
Petrucci will also be aligned with the 2018 Desmosedici, still within the Pramac team. His role will still be that of test driver in the race, but that will not prevent him, as in 2017, from seeking podiums, and why not, if possible, a victory.
“Danilo will have our bike, and we will decide what type of development to do based on the needs that emerge as the season progresses., comments Dall’Igna. If he proves he can fight for victory, we will give him everything he needs ».
Away from the track, contract negotiations for drivers will also be at the center of this season. “ It will also be an important year for that – admits the engineer. We are now no longer in the situation where only a few manufacturers field the best drivers. The possibilities are greater and I think the situation could become a problem. »
Photo © Pramac Racing
Source: Riccardo Gugliemetti for Gpone.com
