English
Italiano
Massimo Rivola's recently suggested idea (we still don't know if it can be called a proposal), which is allowing a rider who's returning from an accident to test, was met with lukewarm acceptance.
If we interpret his words and how he expressed himself, Davide Tardozzi said that the Italian manufacturer won't accept Aprilia's request to let Jorge Martin test his MotoGP bike before a possible return from his injury in next month's Qatar Grand Prix.
"We had the same problem with Enea, but no one gave us the chance to let him try it out," Davide recalled. "I think it could be a good idea for the future."
However, Ducati later clarified Tardozzi's statements: "Ducati's position is very clear. We're waiting for news from the MSMA and, when something official is said, we'll assess the matter."
Obviously, it's nothing against Jorge Martin, but Rivola stating that he'll ask the other manufacturers to agree to a rule change, which would allow the reigning world champion to test his bike before he returns from his injury, is flawed and would require a rule change going forward. Something that is never good.
The proposal could, however, be adjusted if the prototype from two seasons earlier could be used instead of the current bike (in this case, the Aprilia RS-GP 25). The reason is obvious: this would allow the rider to test his physical condition on a significantly more demanding vehicle than a production bike. But the test to assess the health conditions of a rider must not be turned into a developmental test to analyze new features. After all, this what they do in the F1, as well.
But it's not clear why this proposal should be brought to the attention of the MSMA (Motorcycle Sports Manufacturer's Association), where unanimity is required.
The change to the regulations, in fact, wouldn't be technical but sports based. So we believe it should be the FIM, if anything, that should take charge. We believe ... since Davide Tardozzi (who called us) said that the problem is, instead, up to the MSMA. That’s strange, because it’s one thing to decide what type of bike a rider can test (a technical rule: in fact, MotoGP riders can only ride production bikes outside of races and controlled tests, therefore, not Superbikes), but it's another thing whether a single rider who injured himself can test a MotoGP. This is definitely a sports-related rule and not a technical one. But we all know: motorcycling is also this. After all, isn't it true that the Ducati front shape changer - which is perfectly in compliance with the technical rules - was equally prohibited? Ask Dall'Igna if we’re wrong.
Remember that Martin crashed almost immediately at the start of the Sepang test in February and missed the rest of winter tests to recover from his injuries.
He later broke his left hand in a training accident just before his debut in Thailand. Martin, therefore, missed the opening March 1st-2nd weekend and will also miss the Argentina round.
On Thursday, he also ruled out a return to the third round of the season, in Austin, March 29th-30th.
So, the Qatar Grand Prix, scheduled for April 11th-13th, will be his first possible opportunity for a return. But Ducati's position means it's unlikely that the rider will benefit from a MotoGP test before that event.
