If Jack Miller held up the Ducati flag yesterday with the new track record at Losail, today it was Pecco Bagnaia who had the satisfaction of being the first Ducati rider in the overall standings. The man from Piedmont finished fourth behind the Yamahas.
“I made my first attack of the year, it didn’t go bad, but I have to admit it wasn’t easy.” he said at the end of the day. However, it wasn’t this round that made Pecco particularly happy.
“I am particularly satisfied with my racing simulation – he continued – I did it with the tire that was used for the fastest lap and it’s never the best, but I managed to be just as consistent and fast. I’m very happy with the job but we still have to improve the electronics for the race. “”
Bagnaia also chose which of the two setups tested in the last few days …
“One makes the bike faster and more powerful, the other more comfortable and stable – he described it – In the end, I preferred stability because that’s what I need for my driving style. Now we’ve finished the whole program we set out to do and I feel very good and competitive at the pace. Everything is going in the right direction ”.
It’s also time to take stock of your opponents …
“I saw the Yamahas very quickly, like the Ducatis and the Suzukis, especially I seemed to be in very good shape – was Pecco’s opinion – these seem to me to be the three most competitive bikes, in the race the story will be different, but us are ready . I know Aprilia has invested a lot and taken a step forward. Aleix also tested very quickly last year. Your bike seems to be working fine, I would love them to be competitive. “
Jack Miller: “My best tests since I was in MotoGP”
After yesterday’s scorching time, Jack Miller prepared for the race today with a 21-lap simulation that didn’t disappoint.
“I started the day on medium tires to do some testing with the new fairing, then in the long run I put on two soft tires – he said – I would say it went relatively well aside from being on lap 10 almost crashed in the curve 4, the front moved away from me. I kept a pace of 1’54 “and climbed to 1’55” in the last 5 or 6 laps because the rear tire was done and vibrated. After this simulation I have nothing to complain about, it’s something I’ve been working on but I kept a fast pace, even if you have to consider that the track has a lot of rubber, it will be different in the race. “
Tire management will be crucial …
“It’s always been like that with Losail, in fact Dovizioso has waited for the last few years before applying pressure – Jack remembered – however I think these were my best winter tests in MotoGP, yesterday I had a good time and today I am happy with my racing simulation, I feel good on the bike. I just have to figure out what I can do better at Turn 10, but it’s normal to struggle with the Ducati at this point. “
Miller is now preparing for the final day of testing knowing that he gave it his all …
“I tried to do everything I could. I am satisfied with my performance. I stayed calm and adjusted to the new team. Now I just have to find out how it will be in the race, ”he concluded.