The Sepang tests allowed the MotoGP protagonists to make a first assessment of the forces involved. At Yamaha, we left Malaysia with smiles on our faces and the feeling of a winter job well done in Japan. We are awaiting confirmation in Australia next week with impatience to meet for the first match in Qatar. Because Honda is procrastinating while Ducati is agitated apparently for nothing. At least that is the opinion of Massimo Meregalli who immediately shuts down any fantasy of revolutionary fairings.
At the microphone GP One is Meregalli in good spirits who gave his first feelings on the state of play of the 2017 MotoGP vintage. Comments given all the more with good humor as the three days spent at Sepang were a treat for the Yamaha troops: “ it wasn't Viñales or Rossi who impressed me there » assures the Italian. “ But rather the Yamaha engineers. They did a really good job this winter and I didn't expect such positive results. They brought good equipment. And I'm talking about the engine, the electronics, the frame and the fairing ».
Exactly, regarding the fairing, didn't Yamaha reveal its batteries too early? Ducati has been discreet on a subject which should only be finalized in Qatar, Honda absent and Aprilia will only show itself in Australia. Meregalli think not. Because the subject is already closed! “ The fairings this season will all be pretty much the same. So there's no point in hiding anything. On the contrary, it is better to start working with it as soon as possible. We will continue to evaluate ours at Phillip Island with the objective of best relieving a rear tire which was one of our weaknesses last year ».
« But this M1 surprised me. I don't remember ever experiencing such positive offseason tests yet. We are very confident and are now awaiting confirmation. Everything is going as planned. Optimism is essential in the team ". And the competition? “ Sepang was the first outing for Honda and they suffered on the first day. But they were at the forefront at the last. So they will be there. Ducati on the other hand disappointed me a little, I expected better from them. Dovizioso has always been good at Sepang and I thought he would finish on top ". But it's his pilot Casa Particular in Viñales who finished in front while DesmoDovi won the Malaysian Grand Prix last year.
And what about the former resident? Lorenzo ? " I understand that he still needs to adapt to the Ducati. It's definitely easier to switch from a Suzuki to a Yamaha than to take a Ducati instead of a Yamaha ". As for his pair of pilots, he is cautious: “ Maverick is really fast but Valentino is only two tenths behind. He gave of himself as rarely during a test. He will indeed be there from the first Grand Prix ". Which will therefore take place in Qatar on March 26.
