Mathematically, it is still possible, but we hardly believe in it anymore, at Ducati, in this 2020 title. And firstly because its leading rider Andrea Dovizioso is the first to defeat any hint of exacerbated optimism . What's fault ? The new rear tire Michelin assures Dovi, which the GP20 does not digest. But at Ducati, we rather direct the question towards because of whom. And it is the one who is leaving who is designated...
However, the opportunity was unexpected. Over the last three seasons, Andrea Dovizioso was vice-world champion of Marc Marquez. The latter was injured in Jerez, and he is out for the year. Logically, the Ducati red struck with the 4 had to go up a notch and win the bet. However, this is not the case. Far from there.
With three Grands Prix remaining to be contested and, once these have been completed, the Ducati red box will be completely revised and corrected with the arrival of two new riders, the time of reckoning is getting ready. And we can see the trend. Who does not lean towards Michelin to explain the failure. But rather towards the starter…
“The problem is not the bike but confidence, Zarco demonstrated it”
Take the case of the test pilot Michele Pirro. On GP One, he indicates : " Andrea has certainly struggled in recent Grands Prix, but I don't think the bike is the problem ". And he adds: “ this is demonstrated by Zarco, who finished in the top 5 with the Ducati in Teruel. It's a mixture of things, namely the bike, the tires and confidence. If one is missing, you don't fight in a championship like this. Look for example Quartararo. He won in Barcelona and then suffered a lot in these last three races, although he was impregnable in qualifying ».
Ducati technical director David Barana don't think otherwise speedweek : " Overall, the new tire provides much better grip, but this happens in a very different way than the previous tire. Maybe it doesn't go very well with our bike. It seems to be suitable for motorcycles whose strength lies in cornering speed. But it also depends on the driving style ».
And he adds: “ It's true, Andrea has the most problems with this. With him we are trying to find a solution and a better configuration so that he can better demonstrate his abilities on the bike. This is a process that will take time ". But time is already up.
The Ducati test rider Pirro nevertheless ends with a note of hope: “ Dovizioso knows it's not over yet and I agree with him. It's not an easy situation for him, but if he finds the right mix at Valencia, he's not doomed. From what we have seen so far, this world championship has clearly shown that the driver once again makes the difference in the motorcycle, tire and confidence pack ". Success, like failure, is therefore directly attributable to him…
