Jorge Lorenzo was poached from Yamaha by a Ducati factory which built a golden bridge for him to reach his new destination. At the time, it was the miraculous contract in Grand Prix history. A heavy investment which was to produce a no less convincing return. But we know what happened: a failed first season, the start of a second so timid that it got the better of the men in red who moved on just as Por Fuera was starting to win… A missed appointment therefore, for both parties. Michele Pirro experienced this period from the inside as a Ducati test rider. And he opens the file...
Michele Pirro is the living memory of the Desmosedici Grand Prix project. A test pilot for ages, he knows almost all the secrets of the Borgo Panigale factory. In fact, he was at the forefront of the episode Jorge Lorenzo in Ducati. A journey against time that the Italian evaluates as follows: “ The problem wasn't that he adapted late, it was that when there are so many expectations and pressure, you don't work calmly. Dovizioso made the most of Lorenzo's situation. »
« Jorge is an incredible talent, but he is difficult to manage, especially for stupid things or for problems that he saw in a particular way. " He pursues : " after taking a mental step forward by getting rid of the contractual issue, he became competitive and winning again. Lorenzo was used to riding the Yamaha which is a bike that helps you slow down, while on the Ducati you have to brake very hard but not necessarily with your arms, I advised him to practice on his legs. »
« In 2019, Lorenzo would have fought for the championship »
« In 2019, Lorenzo would have fought for the world championship, but he would have done so in 2018 as well, but there was Aragón and Misano. Otherwise, it would have been like Dovizioso, but it would have been very complicated to follow Márquez. »
The Italian finishes on GP One about the case Lorenzo by giving his opinion on a possible return: “ in 2021 I think a lot of things will stay the same and there won't be any more places. Obviously Jorge is strong and must turn to show that he is competitive. But I see it as very complicated that he can start running again. »
