De Paul Gozzi / Corsedimoto.com
Superbike is in turmoil: the Italian brand is increasingly targeted by its opponents. Dorna is in a very delicate situation.
In the Superbike paddock, the revolt is rising against the technical power demonstrated by Ducati during the first two races in Australia and Thailand. In Aragon ( here the television schedules ), few people want to expose themselves, but the opponents have already pointed the finger at the six victories (to zero) that Alvaro Bautista won between Phillip Island and Buriram. Pressure on promoter Dorna increases as round three approaches at Motorland in Arágon. Home circuit of the World Championship leader and, with this kilometer-long straight, a potential hunting ground for the Ducati V4R.
THE PRESSURE IS RISING
The losers emphasized the advantage that Alvaró Bautista had, to count not only at the maximum speed (weighing only 54 kilos…) but also at the end of the race: no one, in the two extra rounds -Europeans, had never won with such margins. Gui Roda, manager of the official Kawasaki team, told Speedweek these brief but significant remarks: “ Dorna understood well how Bautista beat Rea in Thailand. Such a gap makes it difficult for a pilot to fight“said the Spanish manager. “ I don't think such a difference is fair. But I can't say much about it. I only see what I see. In Australia we also saw in which sections Bautista made the difference.”
The situation is very different from the past, that is to say when the same Kawasaki dominated with Jonathan Rea. Until last season, the "political" weight of the losers was very low, because the main antagonist – Ducati -, knowing that it would soon move to the four-cylinder configuration, had no interest in defending the cause of twin-cylinder at the expense of the competing technical configuration. Despite everything, at the end of 2017, 1100 fewer engine revolutions were imposed on Kawasaki. Without forgetting the saving standard introduced on purpose, meaning that at least in race 2, Jonathan Rea started in the middle of the grid. In fact, in 2018, the Northern Irishman started from third 11 times. Almost always able to come back up after a few laps.
OBSTINATION AND CONTRARY MEANING
Now that five manufacturers are officially involved (compared to three last year…), Dorna must face a much more delicate situation to manage. On the other hand, the technical regulations appear to have been written specifically to arouse controversy and discontent (see the rules). The balance of performance is imposed by law and if understanding how to balance is not enough for the famous algorithm which examines many parameters, the promoter also has a rule which gives the right to change the cards if necessary. Ducati is also in the crosshairs for the decision to introduce technology (or rather, a complete motorcycle…) in Superbike directly inspired by MotoGP. Last year, Carmelo Ezpeleta preached a Superbike very closely linked to the series, and a significant reduction in costs. In reality, Ducati's breakthrough is taking the championship in the opposite direction.
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