Michele Pirro, Ducati's official rider in the Italian championship but also the firm's test rider for MotoGP, completed two days of testing on the Mugello circuit on Friday (see here).
Obviously, no timetable was broadcast but there does not emerge a feeling of full satisfaction from the interview he gave to our colleagues from GPone.
Excerpts…
“It's been almost since November since I've done a 'real' test on the beast and, during the first two outings, I had to regain my rhythm, get used to the GP18 and its speed.
Ducati was the manufacturer most penalized by this change (testing limitation). We created a structure, the test team, which has nothing to envy of the one that races in Grand Prix, and they made these regulations to deprive us of the advantages that we had acquired. The Japanese manufacturers wanted it and we must adapt. I'm going to race at Mugello, Misano and Valencia. I'm sorry because I still feel like a rider and I want to race, but races are an important opportunity for comparison, also for the development of the bike. I will have few opportunities and, also, being able to do fewer tests, everything will be even more difficult.”
That's the general context. As for these 2 days of testing in particular, the tone seems the same…
“We are trying to improve the GP18 in all areas, from the electronics to the engine, and I have also tried some solutions that could be useful for the race. We are committed on all fronts. Each bike has its own DNA and we still don't have the speed to ride it (in the middle of a curve). In the Desmosedici book there is a chapter that we have not yet written, even here in Mugello I felt certain limitations. The guys continue to work, but we can't expect everything to be resolved in a few weeks. I am also surprised, because we have managed to constantly improve the bike in recent years, but we are not yet making enough progress in this area. I don't have a real explanation."
The Ducati therefore still remains a Ducati, with its strong points and its slightly less strong points, but above all, it appears obvious in the eyes of number 51 that the Honda, its great rival from last year, has progressed more...
“Especially with Marquez, the Honda is the most improved bike, as evidenced by the performances of Pedrosa and Crutchlow. I noticed it from the first practice sessions, watching them from the side of the track. Last year it lacked top speed, and they put together everything it already had, with more horsepower, and this is the result. The GP18 is a new bike that can still improve. We have to try to defend ourselves on the tracks where we are going to have problems and attack when we have the opportunity.”
In these conditions, Michele Pirro expects the upcoming races to be a bit mixed, like those in Argentina and Texas...
“Historically, we have always struggled in Termas and Austin. In Argentina there were also very special conditions, but in my opinion Dovizioso showed that we took a step forward with 5th place in Texas. In theory, the next two events will be difficult for us, perhaps Jerez more than Le Mans. In Spain, Lorenzo got on the podium last year and I expect him to do well. Even Dovizioso can be fast, the driver always makes the difference.”
According to the Italian rider's analysis, we therefore risk reliving a bit of the same scenario as last year, with a much stronger Ducati in the second half of the year. And this panorama shows how important it is for the reds to be consistent at the start of the season, as Andrea Dovizioso does perfectly, which currently allows him to lead the championship...
