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Darkness has already fallen at six in the evening in the Motegi paddock but one illuminated office attracts attention. Behind that door is Davide Tardozzi, absorbed in front of the computer as, while the Ducati team manager prepares for the Japanese GP, he is also closely following, albeit from afar, the debut of the new Desmosedici that is being ridden by Pirro at Valencia.
“In truth, it is a hybrid version, with some 2016 parts and other new parts. This test with Michele is useful in terms of giving us a clearer idea before setting up the new bike that will be ready for Valencia” explains Tardozzi.
At which point, after the final race of the season, Dovizioso and Lorenzo will test it, before seeing it again at Sepang next February. They won't be the only ones testing it though.
“In Malaysia Stoner will also test - reveals the team manager - At the end of November we'll be at Jerez but our testing programme there is better suited to Pirro”.
There's been a lot of talk about the Australian in recent days, with him turning down the offer to stand in for Iannone at Motegi.
“It wasn't exactly a request, more of a courtesy - clarifies Tardozzi - We wanted to do the right thing and inform Casey of the situation, we didn't expect him to race but we like to be honest with him”.
Stoner aside, and as we wait to see him on track in a few months' time, we can focus on the future. After the abolition of the winglets, many are asking what the Borgo Panigale technicians will come up with for 2017.
“I want to say that we'll have a traditional fairing - Tardozzi is reluctant to show his hand - We're still using them on the 2017 prototype, it's the best way to understand how the new parts are working. We'll gradually remove them until they're completely eliminated ”.
Tardozzi lips are sealed on the subject of the GP17, so we'll just have to be patient...
