Sunday on Phillip Island was a black one for Ducati. If Dovizioso was forced to settle for thirteenth place, things were no better for Jorge Lorenzo, all the way back in fifteenth. A race of anonymity for the Majorcan, forced to watch the rest from a distance.
“This track proved to be very complicated for Ducati and the finishing positions of Petrucci and Dovizioso demonstrate that - number 99 began - The bike improved compared to yesterday. I was able to have more stability and speed, but it was not enough.”
Lorenzo does not beat around the bush about the problem and gets straight to the point.
“I struggled particularly with tyre wear and we were unable to be competitive in mid-corner – he explained - For 2018 we need to work on this aspect, trying to flow better. If we improve, we’ll be able to take a useful step forward even for the other circuits.”
The Borgo Panigale standard-bearer is already looking toward Malaysia.
“I have already forgotten about this weekend; it doesn’t make sense to remember it - Jorge continued - We were slow throughout the weekend, lapping more than a second behind the leaders.”
He is also aware that for his teammate the race for the title is now an uphill battle.
“If Dovi and Marc had a 40% and a 60% chance of winning the Championship Title before this race, now Marc definitely has much more of a chance. A win by Dovi in Sepang with maybe a DNF by Marquez could certainly reopen the race, but it is complicated even if it is always true that anything can happen in MotoGP.”
There is a positive note to his day, however.
“I am very happy about Mir’s title - Lorenzo concluded - I am not the only winning Majorcan in Motorcycle racing. Joan is a talented, fast and professional young man with a great future ahead of him.”