If anyone has been able to see Ducati's constant progression towards the top of MotoGP, it is the brand's test rider Michele Pirro. When he arrived, the Desmosedici project was still far from being the benchmark that everyone wants to beat today. A distinction which also has its pitfalls but which satisfies the Italian to the highest degree.
Michele Pirro made no secret of seeing four other leading manufacturers struggling to surpass its brand Ducati gave him real pleasure. And for good reason: this challenge launched by the competition has a meaning that deserves attention: “ we have become the reference » he points out.
And indeed, over the last few years, Ducati dominated MotoGP, becoming the role model. Michele Pirro, test pilot for Ducati, believes that the competitors will be ready to take up the challenge, especially in a year where a new system of concessions limits the development of the Borgo Panigale motorcycle.
In a statement to GPOne.com, Pirro states: " there will be a tough battle to beat Ducati. I noticed this last year when the Japanese teams stepped up their efforts in testing. The desire to surpass Ducati is satisfying for us, as competitors, because it confirms our benchmark status, a level that took us years to reach. ».
Michele Pirro: “ this championship is full of innovative ideas, and the uncertainty over Marc Marquez, returning to a competitive bike, is obvious »
Pirro also recognizes that Ducati will have tough opponents: “ competition is strong. KTM progressed, and Yamaha works on his engine. We saw impressive speeds in Malaysia and Qatar, an unprecedented feat for Yamaha . The arrival of Massimo Bartolini will provide them with additional expertise. Honda starting from scratch, but with many concessions, they have a chance to get their act together ».
He adds : " this championship is full of innovative ideas, and the uncertainty over Marc Marquez, returning to a competitive bike, is obvious. I hope he returns to his former form., because he will undoubtedly be a serious contender ».
Michele Pirro comments specifically on the case Marc Marquez, expecting to see him play a major role. He recalls his performance at the Valencia tests, suggesting that despite expectations of dominance, the competition will be fierce. Pirro describes the eight-time World Champion as a formidable competitor, a “ racing animal », not shying away from any challenge. He also interprets his fall during the tests in Qatar as a positive sign of his determination to push his limits to find his optimal form…
