The countdown is now stopped and the Alma Pramac Racing team will leave on Monday for Qatar where the final winter tests of the 2018 MotoGP season will take place next weekend.
The Sepang and Buriram tests generated very positive feedback with Danilo Petrucci et Jack Miller who were very fast and managed to constantly stay in the Top 10.
So now is the time for the Team Manager Francesco Guidotti to summarize the tests in Thailand and to take stock of the winter activity on the eve of the tests in Qatar by rating its drivers... and the one who obtains the best mark is not the one you think!
Danilo Petrucci, 11th Sepang, 9th Buriram
Rating: 7+
#Test in Thailand
“A very good result. Danilo quickly adapted to the new track and his 2018 Ducati Desmosedici GP did not need intense tuning compared to Sepang. We started very strong, keeping a good pace and improving times and sensations throughout the three days. The tires we tested will not be the ones we will use for the Grand Prix in October, but I must stress that Petrux did well with both types of tires that were available.
Pre-season…so far!
“We didn't shine in Valencia and after improving in the private tests in Jerez, we improved a lot in Malaysia and Thailand. This gives us hope for the season. Danilo's physical preparation and the behavior of the bike gave positive indications on a difficult track like Sepang and a new circuit of Buriram.
More
“I found a much more precise driver. This is the most important aspect: an important step forward that Danilo has shown he can take.”
less
“Danilo made great sacrifices to lose weight and it probably took away his energy. He must now work with this in mind.”
Jack Miller 5th Sepang, 6th Buriram
Rating: 7
#Test in Thailand
“Jack also started with his right foot and immediately took the measure of the track. Even in his case, no major modifications to the 2017 Ducati Desmosedici GP were necessary. Jack and his team were able to focus on improving the riding day after day and continuing to develop the feeling with a bike that he loved from day one in Valencia. There were no major problems apart from the fall on the third day. But it’s something that can happen.”
Pre-season…so far!
“Jack is a driver yet to be discovered. Things are going very well, but we have to see how he reacts when the first difficulties arise. So far, the enthusiasm on the new bike and the desire to do well have given him great momentum, but more difficult times will still come. And that’s when we have to get out of it.”
More
“A driving style that suits this bike very well and a motivating enthusiasm, also in his relationship with the team.”
less
“A couple of falls due to too much motivation and too much enthusiasm that he is not yet able to contain. He must be more patient and progress little by little.”
