Not so long ago, the position of test rider with a manufacturer involved in MotoGP meant assuming the status of a stooge. Then Ducati took it more seriously by building a new approach with Michele Pirro who has since become a school of inspiration. With the reduction in opportunities to test with the regular drivers, it was necessary to set up a real dedicated team with a fast driver on duty. A case law which echoes even on the transfer market since Pirro admits it today: before the Jorge Lorenzo opportunity presented itself, the Italian was approached by Yamaha…
For years, the name of Michele Pirro is closely linked to that of Ducati. In MotoGP and Superbike, the rider from San Giovanni Rotondo is the historic test rider who experiences on the track the genius born from the boss Gigi Dall'Igna. In CIV, the Italian Superbike championship, he is an official rider with multiple titles.
A trajectory that has attracted the attention of the competition, starting with Yamaha . Iwata's firm would not have hesitated to take advantage of the Italian's skills for the benefit of its test team. “ All the other brands looked at what our testing team did and realized it was the right way ", said Michele Pirro on the pages of the sports newspaper Tuttosport. " Yes, I have also been contacted by others for my expertise and that flattered me, but I love Ducati and I know I have done great things in this role. I received a lot, but I also gave a lot. Of course, I think I could have taken some satisfaction from the World Championship, but my goal is to see Ducati win it.».
Between Michele Pirro and Jorge Lorenzo the trajectories crossed
Pirro is therefore a faithful servant of the cause of Borgo Panigale. But Yamaha was able to console himself by enlisting the services of an old knowledge of Italian: Jorge Lorenzo. Pirro knows him well, because he was his support during the two-year period spent by the Majorcan at Ducati. A time full of regrets for what could have been: “ the problem is that Jorge adapted to motorcycling late, because when there are so many expectations and pressures you don't work well. In the meantime, Dovizioso took advantage of the situation and prepared the bike that took Ducati to the World Championship. »
« Jorge is an incredible talent, but difficult to manage. When he freed himself from the contractual situation, he unlocked himself mentally and he became competitive and winning again. If he had stayed, he would have fought for the title, although it would have been very difficult to follow Márquez. »
More Andrea Dovizioso , according Pirro , is also capable of fighting for the title: “ for me, he doesn't believe in it enough and limits himself. Obviously it's not easy, and when we talk about beating Márquez, we're talking about beating a phenomenon. That said, Dovi has done a great job in recent years. He has a lot of speed and talent: he can compete with everyone. He can do it. »
