Michele Pirro turned out to be one of the “daredevils” if we may say of the two days of the Jerez tests. In fact, the Ducati test rider waited for track conditions to improve and took to the track with him Panigale V4S.
A few minutes later Johann Zarco also followed with the same bike. It was therefore an opportunity to see both of them in action in a different context than usual. There was plenty of time to share the Andalusian trail and then exchange some opinions before stripping off their leathers for the day.
“In the end I did about 40 laps – explained Pirro – unfortunately the track was not in perfect condition this afternoon as there were some wet sections. It was useful, however, to shake off the rust accumulated over the last few months without a bike. I was also happy that Zarco was there too, a fast rider with whom we exchanged some opinions and views about the bike.
You took to the track with the Panigale V4S. How useful do you think your feedback can be for the SBK drivers involved with the V4?
“I feel that this can be an important contribution. The Panigale V4S is a basic bike that works well at a high level, while the SBK bike has some aspects that are allowed by the regulations that allow you to do some MotoGP components such as the fuel tank, the rear frame, the swingarm and then by engaging in the rigidity. The Street version is therefore a bike with a fast base that you can have fun with and also push hard. The SBK, on the other hand, is more complicated and to understand the difference you have to push your limits. “
So with the V4S, can we say that an amateur can feel like a MotoGP rider?
“For sure, With the V4S, any amateur can feel like a MotoGP rider as this is the philosophy behind the street version. The engine actually has the shapes of MotoGP and is consequently a production bike that allows you to express yourself at a high level with feedback for the times that were made in MotoGP years ago. The important difference is that with the SBK and MotoGP you have to try immediately to reach the limit, which is not possible for an amateur. “
Michele, brings you to the point: what do you think of the new Honda?
“Despite Marquez’s absence, they work, but that’s nothing new to us. They don’t stand idly by, just like all teams. I thought they had something new to try and they did it.” Bradl brought the new bike out on the track and it was useful for us to watch them work too. “
One of the most striking aspects is the frame, which reflects the Yamaha philosophy. Do you think Honda rates the Ducati philosophy, which is a bike that can be ridden by all riders?
“I think this is the way forward. Ducati began this policy a few years ago with the development of a bike for everyone, and maybe Honda will go that route too. A bike that anyone can ride isn’t necessarily a limit for Marquez. on the contrary, in my opinion it can be helpful not always to be at the limit under certain circumstances. Then it’s obvious that the best rider makes all the difference, but when they have a more balanced bike they can have more wiggle room. “
They’ll be back in action in February. What can we expect
“We’re preparing for the next appointment, so you should get ready too! (smiles) “.