Ducati not only presented new motorcycles at EICMA. No, because the manufacturer of Borgo Panigale has also presented the MG-RR, or rather an exclusive enduro E-MTB that emerged from the collaboration with an Italian company Thok Ebikes. Also involved in the project Livio Suppowho ended his adventure as Honda team principal last season.
“We have developed an enduro bike with very prestigious components – he comments – this is a first step towards a high level sector in the world of mountain bikes for Ducati and Thok. Stefano Migliorini created it two years ago and I’m helping him find partnerships on an international level. “
Many riders love mountain biking, for example Jorge Lorenzo, who often uses it when training. When will we see him with a MG-RR?
“We have to move quickly – jokes, suppo – the bike is not available yet, but of course if he wants to try it out he can. As we all know, Jorge is about to embark on a new adventure and I wish him the best of luck. He did very well in Ducati, I have to say, also because After the 2017 season, I would not have bet on this type of improvement. He adapted well to the Ducati in the end and now the Honda is waiting for him, a big challenge as he will have the same bike as the Marquez. “
You mention the Honda, a bike that seems to be bespoke for Marc. If this is the case?
“The Honda definitely grew in 2018, and Dani said so before he retired. Crutchlow’s results further confirm this. Like all motorcycles, it has strengths and weaknesses that differ from those of the Ducati. We’ll have to see how long it takes Jorge to adjust. With the Ducati, he needed a long white because it came from a completely different motorcycle, the Yamaha. The Honda and Ducati are probably more similar and he will fight less. But of course it will be hard to beat Marquez. “
What impressed us most about Marc this season is his constant presence in the top three.
“Jorge has been very consistent at Yamaha. So if he can adapt to the bike quickly he becomes a problematic teammate. I’m sure the fans can’t wait for the season to start. I think it’s going to be an interesting championship, let’s not forget Dovi, of course, Marquez’s real antagonist. I expect him to have a great year on Ducati, the most powerful bike on the grid right now. I also hope that Petrucci can leave the difficult times behind. Maybe he’s worried about taking Lorenzo’s place, but he has the ability to do it well. His story is great too, having worked his way through the ranks to the factory bike. “
Back to Lorenzo, what advice would you give him if he embarks on this new adventure?
“Jorge has been in MotoGP since 2006 and He has the experience he needs. Sometimes advice can be difficult, partly because you run the risk of proving yourself wrong. Like I said, I couldn’t have imagined he would achieve any of what he did on the Ducati and I hope he can do the same with the Honda. I also hope that Yamaha will be able to turn things around. “
This season, Valentino has complained many times about the organization in Yamaha. How useful would it be to have someone like Livio Suppo on the team?
“It’s hard to tell when you’re away from the company. The Yamaha has had problems since last year and this year has seen more lows than highs. As a fan, I hope they’ll be quick and competitive again in 2019. ”