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The tests at Jerez and Portimao served as a starter ahead of the new season, set to start in around three weeks' time in Australia. While Rea has proved, once again, to be the reference point, Ducati was playing catch-up, running around a second from the front on their last exit. There's no need for alarm though, as underlined by Serafino Foti. Yes, because the Aruba team manager displays a certain confidence ahead of the opening Phillip Island round.
Foti, at both tests we saw a Ducati forced to play catch-up. Should we be worried?
“I wouldn't say so. The flying lap times show that Rea is always competitive, but we weren't out to seek that kind of performance at all costs, focusing rather on the testing of all the material we had, and that's what we did”.
So you would say that we shouldn't be fooled by the stopwatch?
“Definitely not. The times set confirm the Kawasaki's competitiveness but also that of Honda, Aprilia and Yamaha. What I'm saying is that I don't believe the real values emerged during the tests. I think we'll see everyone's real potential at Phillip Island."
Back to the tests, where Ducati was also facing a reduction in engine revs as foreseen by the regulation. To what extent does this penalise you?
“This aspect definitely conditions us to a certain extent. The Panigale is a twin and so we are even more penalised than a bike like the Kawasaki. But the team has worked to try and find the best compromise and in two weeks' time we'll see if the results confirm our growth or not”.
At Jerez and Portimao, Melandri proved to a little more than Davies. Will he be the 'anti-Rea'?
“I think it's much too early to talk about an anti-Rea, we haven't started the championship yet. Johnny is the favourite of course, but there are many riders who can be strong. March has always shown to be obsessive when it comes to preparing the season, but we must also remember that Chaz is not yet back to full fitness after his injury last November. I'm sure both of them will be ready at Phillip Island”.
Melandri also showed to have to same race pace as Rea at Jerez.
“Exactly, on that occasion Marco was as fast as Johnny. Unfortunately Rea had a little more at Portimao."
Are you worried about the growth Honda and Yamaha are displaying?
“I expected both teams to be faster as a result of the new regulation. I have to say that Aprilia's growth has surprised me. It will be a very interesting championship”.
We also saw the Ducati V4 in action during the recent years. How are you developing the new bike and what changes with respect to the previous one?
“This is still just the beginning of a long path that will see our four-cylinder debut in next year's championship. It's really too soon to pass judgment, given that this was only a first approach for Zanetti. The only thing I can say is that the first impression was good and this gives us confidence”.
And what will become of the V2 in 2018? Will the old Panigale be given to private teams?
“A new era begins with the V4, so the satellite teams would also be on track with the new bikes. There will be some requests of course, it won't be a problem to give the twin to teams in the minor championships”.
In recent weeks, Rinaldi's also been in action. How is he doing would you say?
“Michael did very well, quickly building confidence with the Superbike and this is backed up by his times. I think he can represent the future and we're curious to see him at the European races. I think he has the potential to be top ten like Razgatliolgu, who has really demonstrated his confidence with the Kawasaki”.
Last question... At the end of 2017, you bade farewell to Ernesto Marinelli. How have you gone about replacing him?
“At the racetracks, his role will be entrusted to Marco Zambenedetti, who has been a member of our team for several years. As for the work back at base, Gigi Dall’Igna has restructured the staff, subdividing the various roles”.
