MotoGP, Pirro: me a tester? I'm a rider

“I'm a rider on loan to the testers!” Michele Pirro is over the moon after his 3rd place today. The fastest tester in MotoGP did not squander his opportunity. He jumped in with the big names in the class and can now enjoy his virtual front row.

“That will come tomorrow - he warns - But I'm pleased because we showed that our bike is competitive. There are two Ducatis in the top three spots. There are still some things to sort, but the base is good.”

There are some who insinuate that Mugello is easy…
“But it's not true that we ride here all year long. Since Dall’Igna has arrived, we change tracks often and this year we have only done one test at Mugello and it was even raining.”

So you did even better…
“It's important to be fast, because that's the only way to take the bike to the limit.”

Last week you won in CIV on a SBK. Isn't it complicated to get on a MotoGP bike?
“Everything changes, but I have the good fortune to be able to adapt quickly. Actually it is simpler for me to ride the Desmosedici, which I do a lot of testing with, than the Panigale that I only use on race weekends.”

Don't you get the urge to go back to racing full time?
“I am part of a great team which is Ducati and we all have the same goal: to win.”

Next year Lorenzo will also be on the team, and you followed him…
“I lapped at 1’48” alone as well. I found him in front of me and it was useful to see his lines because he's very fast at Mugello.”

Is it true that there is a police officer rivalry between you and Petrucci?
“There is a challenge, but the important thing is to be as far up front as possible.”

Danilo takes the duel more seriously: “last year Michele beat me. I want a rematch and I want to be the fastest cop at Mugello”, he laughs. The Pramac rider was unable to get into the top ten (he is in 12th) but the problem was not his hand.

“There was a problem with one of the bikes. I warning light came on and I decided to stop and not use it again - he says - The other one had a different setup that I didn't like, but at least now we know which way not to go.”

It wasn't a very positive day…
“I expected to be faster. I didn't even want to put on the new tyre at the end of the session. I only did it in case it rains tomorrow.”

Does your hand still bother you?
“I don't have any pain. I'll just have an X-ray done to have it checked and do the usual physical therapy.”