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Jorge Lorenzo wasn't lying when, commenting on his Mugello win, he defined it as “the most meaningful of my career”. He could have added that it has perhaps come at the worst moment, because the celebration (added to that of the historic double on Italian soil) is tinged with regret as the marriage with Ducati comes to an end.
Gigi Dall’Igna was the man who wanted Jorge in red at all costs and he rejoiced after the race on Sunday.
“Mugello brought me joy, satisfaction because we were stronger than our rivals there- stated the General Manager of Ducati in an interview with Italian publication Corriere dello Sport - We'd never scored a double win at home before, and a triple was on the cards if Petrucci hadn't had to wear the tyres so much while fighting to catch up following contact with Marquez early on in the race”.
A result that he's been awaiting for 23 race, a long period that has contributed to the imminent divorce. Sunday brought great celebration in the garage.
“It's not just that we expected more from him, he too expected more. We all expected more. In reality, Lorenzo has been up there for a while and has had a few opportunities... he's proved he has what it takes to win with the Ducati on three, four occasions, on other occasions he's come close”.
The dream came true at Mugello, Lorenzo stating that it came down to the new tank. Many raised doubts as to whether such a banal component could be responsible for such a miracle.
“Bit it wasn't just down to the tank. Already at the Barcelona test, before that in fact, we were working to bring him updates. Then the latest one arrived and, due to a question of ergonomics, Jorge got on better, he was less tired and performing at a higher level. We have no other new components for now. The next step will come at Brno”.
Will Lorenzo have it too? Because on factory teams, it's unlikely that a rider who is about to leave will receive the same treatment as the man who will remain.
“Having two important rider, both capable of winning races, is what we wanted” clarifies Gigi.
Yes, but if Lorenzo were to continue to be stronger than Dovizioso, would it not be embarrassing, not to mention a real predicament?
“It would be a problem. We'll think about it” concludes Dall’Igna.
