MotoGP, Sepang J2 Test, Michele Pirro (Ducati/5th): “The potential is there”

All the manufacturers present for this Malaysian “shakedown” have several drivers, with the notable exception of Ducati, whose entire run-in tests are carried out by the sole driver. Michele Pirro. Its role is all the more important as the troops of Luigi Dall'Igna are holders of the absolute record at the Sepang circuit, thanks to Danilo Petrucci.

But the Ducati especially made a strong impression during last year's tests with the four best times for Danilo Petrucci, Francesco Bagnaia, Jack Miller and Andrea Dovizioso who dominated the 24 other drivers present.

This year, during the first of these three days of initial tests, Michele Pirro climbed into second position in 2'00.642, 0.017 behind the leader. Dani Pedrosa (KTM).

This Monday, during the second day, he was positioned fifth around 13 p.m. (Sepang time) in 2'00.695, 0.854 behind Pedrosa again in the lead.

At 16 p.m., two hours from the end, Pirro retained his fifth place in 2'00.695, 0.854 behind Dani Pedrosa and his KTM. This was the position he still occupied at 18 p.m. at the end of this second day.

The fastest Ducati during last year's Sepang winter testing clocked a 1'58.239 driven by Danilo Petrucci (best time). Then during the Malaysian Grand Prix, the best qualified was that of Jack Miller who was positioned 4th on the grid in 1'58.725. The best time for a Ducati in the race was 4th in 1'59.940, to the credit of Andrea Dovizioso.

For Michele Pirro, “Pedrosa is strong on this track where he has won a lot. We strive to ensure that we are ready at the right time. I'm happy to have him on the track, because for me it's extra motivation. »

“Jorge Lorenzo told me he would come, but he didn't know then if he would ride these days or in official tests. In any case, it's a good championship for testers! There is Pedrosa, Lorenzo, Pirro… Stoner has abandoned us. But the presence of very good drivers is good for me, it's a stimulus. »

“The first day was important because it was the first time we were back on track after the tests at the end of November and we confirmed some good things on the new chassis and made some comparisons. »

“On Sunday we only worked on the new bike. The potential is there, we were able to do a good job. We continue, even if it's not easy at the beginning here in Sepang, because it's really hot, but it's okay. »

“The new chassis has some positive aspects, although we still have to work to find the right potential. We have to work hard. The first day, we also had to pick up the pace and regain confidence in the bike. »

“The bike is good so the power is definitely a positive aspect, but I think there are other positive aspects to this GP20. Let's try to progress tomorrow to get good results. »

“Compared to certain references that I had here, from the first day we did not have bad results. We also have to remember that Honda already did a test with Bradl. We'll see, also because we worked a lot with worn tires. We have to be ready for the first race. »

Ranking of the second day of testing: