The new MotoGP calendar has barely been released when doubts are already being expressed by the protagonists. It is the launch of the season in Austin, on April 5, which leaves doubts, and in particular at Ducati which very early on displayed its skepticism on this subject. Paolo Ciabatti has already opened up about it as sports director of the brand. Now it's the general director of Ducati Corse, Gigi Dall'Igna, who is dampening the mood...
There will be a Qatar Grand Prix this season, and it's for this weekend. However, it will only be for Moto2 and Moto3 which will therefore be the only categories to live 20 Grand Prix this year. At least if we believe the new calendar of the season, freshly released. The paddock should regain its unity at Austin, April 5. Which will therefore, a priori, be the launch of hostilities in MotoGP.
A priori? Yes, because the crisis of coronavirus takes its course and the USA are not known for leaving its borders open to the four winds when a threat looms. At the house of Ducati, clearly, we don't believe in a getaway to Texas. And we are already planning on Termas de Rio Hondo, in Argentina : " I can't see us going to Austin for a race, at least not on the planned dates. " coward Gigi Dall'Igna, despite the new calendar barely published mentioning the Texan meeting. “ It is rather reasonable that MotoGP starts in Argentina. The Coronavirus upheaval is creating a kind of turbulence, but the situation must be taken with a positive mindset. »
He adds by mentioning the logistics plan put in place since Qatar canceled now for good: “ with the help of Avintia's men we will also solve the problem of recovering the equipment left in Doha after the tests. But then you have to understand what is going to happen " said Gigi Dall'Igna au Corriere della Sera.
« I'm sorry, because Dovizioso won the last two editions of the race in Qatar and we had good cards in hand. A good start is always invigorating, but In the long term, I am convinced that giving up Qatar will have a negligible impact. Over the distance of a championship, the one who is strongest everywhere wins » assures Gigi. Who adds: “ Like everyone else, we will use this extra time to resolve any issues that came up during testing. No one has yet presented engine specifications, drawings or samples. »
« Thanks to regulations, we can do this even at the last minute. The new Michelin tire seemed like a negligible novelty, but in light of the facts it turned out to be quite important. Andrea and Danilo are racing animals, and I understand their current frustration », concluded the general director of Ducati Corse.
