The new MotoGP concession regulations impose significant restrictions on Ducati, limiting its motorcycle development possibilities and making in-season testing and Wildcard participation difficult. Michele Pirro, test rider for Ducati, acknowledged that these limitations represent a major challenge, making the task of winning more complex.
Michele Pirro stressed that the term “castrated” is appropriate to describe the current situation of Ducati. He noted that not only have they been deprived of certain opportunities, but their opponents will also benefit from additional advantages.
Despite these challenges, Pirro remains optimistic for Ducati and affirms that achieving victories in these conditions will be all the more rewarding: “ in fact, we were a little castrated, that's the right word. Not only for what they have taken from us, but also for what our adversaries will have in addition. It will be harder to win, but doing it will be even better » comments the test pilot on GP One.
Michele Pirro: “ at the end of these three days in Sepang, I will be done »
Due to Wildcard restrictions for Ducati, Pirro has indicated that he is unlikely to drive the DesmosediciGP again in 2024 after the Sepang Shakedown, unless called to replace an injured pilot. The season therefore promises to be an additional challenge for Ducati, which will have to navigate these new constraints to remain competitive.
« Unless there are special situations where I am forced to replace someone, at the end of these three days, I will be done » regrets the Italian from Malaysia. We will remember the feeling of Pecco Bagnaia, the spearhead of Ducati in MotoGP which now has two consecutive world titles on these new concessions to the MotoGP regulations: “ if they want to make concessions to others, it makes no sense that they take something from us. This seems a bit silly to me ».
As for Carmelo Ezpeleta, boss of Dorna, he gives his version of the subject: “ Ducati agreed, didn't like it, but we convinced them that it was advantageous to do so for the good of the Championship. And then, for them to complain, that seems good to me. It's not that I think it's bad; I think that it's good ".
