The procedure has not yet started, but from KTM we learn that in Losail, behind the scenes will certainly be very hectic. The stumbling block is technical and it concerns the “Ride Height Adjuster” at the front, i.e. the level corrector which causes the fork of the Ducati GP22 to dive under the influence of its rider. Gigi Dall'Igna and her men would thus have to relive being sidelined by the majority of her colleagues, an uncomfortable situation experienced in her time with the rear deflector placed on the swinging arm...
In Qatar 2019, Honda, Suzuki, KTM and Aprilia competed in Ducati about the rear spoiler, with which Dovizioso won. The four factories protested, considering the spoiler to be an illegal aerodynamic device. We went to court in this matter and Ducati won his case. But it left its mark on the relationships between the manufacturers within the paddock. This wound risks being reopened again during the first Grand Prix of the season, at Qatar. But this time, it would be the five manufacturers who would ring the charge against the sixth, which is still Ducati.
The intention was revealed by Francesco Guidotti who is now the team manager of the official KTM team in MotoGP and who also served for a long time at Pramac… Ducati. Asked by speedweek on this mechanical level corrector device, activated by the pilot, which lowers the front of the GP22, Guidotti makes no secret that there is discussion. Ducati now also uses a “Ride Height Adjuster” at the front. It probably complies with regulations because the system is activated and deactivated manually. The other manufacturers can therefore do nothing about it.
KTM says it: “ five out of six manufacturers are in favor of banning this type of device«
However… " Yes, that's how it is at the moment. But this is not about KTM's position, it is about the position of the MSMA manufacturer alliance. In the MSMA, five out of six manufacturers are in favor of banning this type of device. We try to enforce that. Because it's a waste of time and a waste of money ". The will is thus clearly displayed.
The engineer Sebastian Risse, technical director of MotoGP at KTM said that " no one is enthusiastic about investing in such stone age technology ". An assessment that Guidotti details: “ I agree. And the four other manufacturers share this opinion. Such a system cannot be called a technical development. Because many road machines already have “electronic suspension” that works perfectly. This is not allowed in MotoGP. Such a mechanical device only complicates things ».
Guidotti adds: " I don't know if such a system has a positive effect on lap times. What we know for sure is that it's a complication ". We are here and it will be complicated to find a solution since unanimity is required for a decision to be validated within the MSMA. Regulatory, there would be nothing to say about the device Ducati. To be continued…
