There is no longer a voice at Ducati that contests the merits of the decisions of a Gigi Dall'Igna who, through perseverance, persuasion and intelligence to surround himself with the right people like that of being truly interested within the meaning of the regulations, came to celebrate with his troops this faultless and historic record of this 2022 season. But before getting there, there were periods of doubt and tension. Someone who arrived at Ducati before Gigi remembers…
And this veteran is none other than the test pilot Michele Pirro whose experience on the Desmosedici spans a decade. The Italian thus began his ranges in 2012, with an opus which was far from that of 2022. But before the series was taken over by Gigi Dall'Igna, there was his arrival… “ 5 years ago I hated Gigi » admits with some amusement the CIV champion in an interview with GP One. " I was supposed to be a test rider for a year, I wanted to race and he said I would when the bike was competitive. When Stoner arrived as a test pilot, I thought I was free, but Casey didn't last long in that role and that episode marked my career. ».
« Then Gigi told me: I can find a pilot, but not a test pilot who does what you do. I've metabolized that thing, although the thought of what I could have done still remains. Gigi had a goal in mind and surrounded herself with the best people to achieve it » adds the Italian who naturally lives with this doubt: “ when you're young, it's difficult to accept. I don't think I'll be outdone by many other drivers, so I'm a little disappointed about that. I will always have doubts about what my level would have been if I had raced a few full seasons in MotoGP. However, now I am part of an important team. Contributing to making the Ducati, with all the other guys, the best and most sought-after motorcycle, is a great satisfaction ».
Michele Pirro: “quand j’ai testé sa moto, j’ai compris pourquoi Valentino n’avait pas réussi à être compétitif avec la Ducati"
And there was a lot of work done before getting to this point. Michele Pirro, remember : " I started working with Ducati in a difficult moment ". And he was not the only one in this case… “ Valentino Rossi arrived at the worst time... When I tested his bike, I understood why Valentino had failed to be competitive with the Ducati: it was a bike you went into corners with and didn't know if you would get out. The front tire didn't give us any confidence and the normal riders, in the sense of those who ride with the front like Rossi or Lorenzo, struggled, while Stoner rolled backwards as he was coming from a dirt road ».
« Valentino couldn't tell the difference because he had to go beyond his instinct, but when we have done too much, we fall: we have therefore taken half a step forward and two backwards. When a driver lacks confidence, it's over, it's hard " tell Pirro. But today everything is different: “ the improvement was a team effort. There are no major changes, but small improvements in all areas that should give us an advantage. Then, it is clear that the pilot's sensations will make the difference ».
For 2023, he predicts: “ there will be a battle, because Honda will not sit idly by. As I always say, the biggest improvement you make is based on what your opponents do, we won't get worse for sure. We'll have all eyes on us and we've seen that we like to win, so we must not give up because the competition is fierce. It's additional motivation, plus Bastianini will join the factory team ". Then he ends with this sentence: “ Alex Marquez is at Ducati, we will have a lot to say to each other »...
