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It will once again fall to him to be the first on the track with the new bike. Michele Pirro will have the task of opening up the Sepang tests next week. They will be three days in which the rider from Puglia will try to squeeze all the secrets from the GP17 before the Dovizioso-Lorenzo duo will have their go.
It is time to restart soon?
“Let’s say that I was going into withdrawals and could not wait to restart (he smiles). Next week, we’ll be ready for the new season. The addition of Jorge is definitely a big change. Obviously we are still well aware that there will be a lot of work to do.”
What has changed since last year?
“This year we can rely on a definite base for the 2017 bike. I think that this is the biggest step forward. We have been able to stay ahead of the curve, having a bike that is 80% the one the will start the Championship.”
This Ducati is even more demanding physically. Is this the aspect to focus on?
“I think that our bike has some strong points, but also weaknesses. Maybe it is not entirely fair to say that it is physical. Maybe it just has some limits that we already know about and on which we need to work. Obviously we will need to figure out what to change with the use of winglets or not. The winglets definitely ensure greater stability, coming out of turns with a more comfortable position.”
There is, however, the risk that the bike may be more dangerous.
“This is the aspect that stems from the winglets, as opposed to the bike in and of itself. Without going into the corner with less stability at the front. Unfortunately, this was rather underestimated initially.”
Did the evolution of the 2017 follow the set path?
“We are working to go in that direction, improving the lacking aspects. This time we have an important starting base.”
Is it already ready to battle for the title?
“Last year we were competitive in the last races, so we can do it again this year. Jorge will need to adapt, but we have everything we need to stay with the best.”
Development began before Lorenzo’s arrival. With his style, do changes need to be made or is it just a question of setup?
“At the moment, maybe the setup makes more of a difference. Down the road, we will try to work on some aspects with the goal of making it easy for everyone to use.”
What do you think of the Lorenzo-Dovizioso duo?
“I think they have the right balance, a perfect pair. Both have my same way of seeing things and thinking. Jorge has won a lot and Andrea will be able to take advantage of his presence to draw the energy he needs to grow.”
Your track schedule has been confirmed.
“I will participate in the two races in Italy, plus Spain. Then I will obviously be at CIV with the Pirelli tyres.”
