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Among the many riders present at Eicma there was also Michele Pirro. In fact, we met the Ducati test rider at the stand of the Borgo Panigale manufacturer, exchanging a few words with him about CIV, MotoGP and much more.
As we well know, Michele is still dealing with the injury he suffered during the last weekend of the CIV in Imola, where he fractured his left tibial malleolus after being hit squarely by rival Lorenzo Zanetti. The rehabilitation process is long and will require a lot of patience.
“Unfortunately, I am still dealing with the CIV injury – he said – after the operation I had several sessions in the hyperbaric chamber to which physiotherapy sessions were then added. It's not a simple situation, in fact I'm trying to grit my teeth. All the work done in the last month was aimed at my presence at the Jerez test with the MotoGP bike two weeks ago."
Michele, what should we expect from the GP24?
“You will see the final version in Sepang, but for the Valencia test there were some components to decide on. The new bike will certainly not be a revolution compared to the previous one, but rather an evolution with some improvements. The goal is to continue our path and there will be some surprises on the Ducati in Malaysia."
You mentioned the Valencia test, where Marc Marquez will be there. What do you expect from him?
“Having Marquez in the Ducati group is an opportunity, given that we are talking about a champion. I'm curious to hear from him what he thinks are the weak points of the bike. Marc will certainly be able to help us improve the Ducati by taking a step forward and filling any gaps. He is certainly a rider with great experience."
What do you expect from the season finale between Bagnaia and Martin?
“It will certainly be an interesting challenge to follow. Both Pecco and Jorge have the same type of material, and this indicates how great the effort of the company is. Regardless of who wins, the important thing is that today it is the riders who choose to race with Ducati and no longer the other way around."
What happened at the CIV caused a lot of controversy. Are you ready to shake Zanetti's hand?
“Yes, for me there is no problem in meeting Lorenzo. The fact is that what happened in Imola must make us reflect because it cannot create a precedent for the future. If someone makes a mistake they must be sanctioned, period, there is no excuse. This happens in all disciplines, given that when one makes a mistake there is a sanction. And I say this thinking above all of the young people who race motorbikes, because perhaps next year a rider, at the last race, can emulate what he did to win the title, clinging to the precedent of Imola. Well, this absolutely cannot happen, and something must be done."
