A Ducati MotoGP rider is making strides with a crucial issue, but will it last?
Fabio di Giannantonio, a VR46 Ducati rider, is optimistic about resolving the front-end issues that plagued his GP25 last season. However, he remains cautious, awaiting the Buriram test for a definitive verdict.
Despite not testing his preferred setup due to time constraints, di Giannantonio secured an impressive third place at the Sepang MotoGP test with the revised GP26. He explored various hardware and setup configurations over three days, consistently maintaining a positive front-end feel.
"I'm thrilled with the testing results," he shared. "The speed and feel have been consistently strong, and I'm pleased with the absence of slow laps." He further elaborated, "We experimented with numerous setup adjustments and introduced new chassis and aero components."
Unfortunately, rain disrupted their plans, preventing them from completing the full setup. "We'll have the opportunity to test the complete package in Thailand," he added.
Di Giannantonio's fastest lap was a 1m 56.785s on the final morning, followed by a slightly slower 1m 57.093s in the afternoon. He attempted to improve in the time attack but encountered the opposite effect. "The 57.0 lap was great, but not with our optimal setup," he noted.
The rider described the GP26's performance as "predictable" compared to the GP25's inconsistent front-end feel. He emphasized, "Finding consistency in the front-end feel was my primary concern, and we've made significant progress in that regard."
The critical question is whether this predictability will persist in the Buriram test. Di Giannantonio acknowledged, "We need to replicate these results in Thailand to confirm our progress."
He defended the high grip levels at Sepang, stating they were realistic and within the range to understand the bike's behavior.
Team-mate Franco Morbidelli, on a satellite-spec machine, finished seventh, refuting claims that it was a GP25.
Peter, a paddock veteran of 20 years, has witnessed the rise and fall of legends like Valentino Rossi and is now at the center of the Suzuki exit saga and Marc Marquez's injury struggles.
