A dominant Aprilia
What was seen in the opening race of the MotoGP world championship in Buriram left little room for doubt: Aprilia’s growth is concrete and dazzling, given that the Noale-based manufacturer triumphed by a margin with Marco Bezzecchi and placed four bikes in the top five positions.
The one that obviously comes out disappointed from the Thai stage of the championship is Ducati, not competitive for the victory yesterday and unable to do better than 6th place with Fabio Di Giannantonio. For the Italian team, the retirement of Marc Marquez weighed heavily, due to a puncture and rim damage, while he was in fourth with podium aspirations.
Carlo Pernat’s analysis
FormulaPassion.it had the pleasure of interviewing Carlo Pernat – historic MotoGP manager – specifically regarding the themes that emerged from the race dominated by the Aprilias and Marco Bezzecchi.
After the Thailand GP, is it already red alert for Ducati?
“It would be truly exaggerated to draw conclusions after just one grand prix. Conclusions should be drawn at Jerez if anything, that will be the right time. We need to let these first races pass. One swallow doesn’t make a summer, but 4 Aprilias in the top 5 positions are a swarm – quoted in quotes. It is clear that there is an alarm at Ducati because they didn’t expect to see Aprilia going so fast, or at least they didn’t expect it with all the riders. Certainly, the work Sterlacchini is doing, who was a reference man, is bothering Ducati. Gigi Dall’Igna has brought up many, including Massimo Bartolini who went to Yamaha, his school has made history. All those who grew up with him reached the top and then left because they wanted to surpass the master, but it seems logical and human to me that this happens.”
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What explanation do you give for the Ducati debacle in Buriram?
“It’s clear that these are four slaps in the face, they understood that. And even Gigi Dall’Igna, who didn’t release any statements, was quite upset. In my opinion, the track conditions counted for a lot because it was very hot and the tests had been done in a different situation. My impression is that the new parts, especially this new ride-height device, have created some problems on this track in terms of the carcass and with the tire. This is my impression, but I think it’s a bit of what happened.”
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