The Avintia team in MotoGP does not necessarily enjoy the same reputation for seriousness and serenity as its counterparts on the starting grid. In this regard, we will recall the words of a Cal Crutchlow doubtful to say the least about the functioning of this Ducati satellite team during the episode replacement of a Tito Rabat hurt. But this year, we have to rise to the occasion. Because two GP18s will be in the box. And who knows, if, for 2020, Suzuki didn't come knocking on the door to be the ally of choice...
This would then be a realization. But to get there, you have to show your abilities. As such, this season will be important for the team which employs Rabat et Abraham : " for the first time in the history of the team, we have good equipment “, declared the sports director Ruben Xaus at MotoGP.com. The team has two Ducati Desmosedici GP18s in the pits, like Pecco Bagnaia in the Pramac team. It will be the same motorcycle that benefited Andrea Dovizioso at the end of the 2018 season.
In recent years, the Avintia team had one bike from the previous year and one from two years earlier. The only change compared to last season's GP18 is the fairing, as the wings had to be adapted to the new rules. Tito Rabat is back after a long break due to a leg injury suffered at Silverstone in the second half of the season. His new teammate is Karel Abraham. The contract of Xavier Simeon was not renewed due to lack of performance. The Belgian will nevertheless participate in the new MotoE electric racing series for Avintia.
If the podium is an ambitious goal, it will certainly not be impossible in some races. “ For both riders we have the same bike, this has never been the case in this team, because we had several old bikes. Additionally, the settings were completely different. Now the bikes are the same for both riders, so we have the same information and data ».
During the last winter tests in Qatar, Rabat was one second behind the fastest lap. This meant 16th place, with Abraham complaining of a gap of 1,7 seconds. In the Angel Nieto team, Abraham had a Ducati GP16 last year. It was only when his teammate, Alvaro Bautista, was named to the official team in Australia, which he was allowed to run for one race with the GP17. “ For Karel, there is a big change because he goes from a GP16 to a GP18. It's a new bike for him and Avintia is a new team too ", said xaus. " We are working very well so far in the team. We have daily meetings and we work in a structured way ". A message to Suzuki?
