From Checa to Petrucci, via Stoner, Melandri, and many others. Alberto Vergani is one of those managers who needs very little introduction. since then he has made several riders lucky in the two-wheeler paddock.
His last coup was that of Petrucci with KTM Tech3. After Ducati was unloaded, there were many doubts and questions about the future of the driver from Terni. Instead, Vergani pulled a rabbit out of his hat and placed it on Poncharal’s team. Danilo’s adventure with KTM began two weeks ago in Qatar. Now all you have to do is wait for the season to start.
“We’re almost there now, just a few more days – said Vergani – I’ll also be going to Qatar next week to be with DanTo for the first race of the season with KTM. There are many expectations from him for this new challenge.” I am confident that Petrucci is a strong driver and one of the few to have won in recent years. “
Alberto, it seemed difficult for Danilo to find the right direction with the KTM during the Losail tests. If this is the case?
“He was used to the Ducati, which allowed him to stand the bike sideways while tThe KTM has a lot more grip and in that regard it fights a little more. However, I consider the tests special as the situation in the race always changes. The anomaly this season is that riders come to the race with just three days of testing and Danilo will do so on a bike he has never ridden before this year. But I know him, he’s a tough guy, he’s proactive enough pissed off to do well. It is better to start and then take it one step at a time than to start and be there already. Certainly what we saw in the tests does not correspond to the actual potential. “
Our Carlo Pernat recently stated in a Sport Bar that Petrucci was disappointing …
“Yes, we know Carlo (smiles). Qatar is a Ducati circuit and I am convinced it can do well. Petrucci has just made his first contact with KTM and has never looked for a quick time until now. In fact, his priority was getting the right position on the bike, then focusing on weight distribution and finding confidence in the bike. Among other things, Oliveira and Binder also fought “.
So there is nothing to worry about …
“I would say no because you don’t win the season in Qatar. Danilo is enthusiastic, relaxed and enthusiastic and That was the change he wanted. He really needed it. It’s a bit like changing cars. He felt good at Ducati, but change always brings something new. That’s why I’m convinced that he will show his potential with this motorcycle, also because KTM believes in him a lot. “
Petrucci has a one-year contract with KTM with one option. However, there are young people like Gardner aiming to make the leap into the category in 2022.
“Right, but let’s not get any further. We have to take it step by step. KTM likes Petrucci because he’s a strong rider, but also happy and hard worker at the same time. “
Let’s talk about his former teammate Dovizioso. Were you surprised by his arrival in Aprilia?
“He saw that the bike was competitive and made the leap. What can I say about Dovi, of course I’m not him, but if I were his manager I would have had him sign earlier. There was no point in waiting so long. If he wanted to return, he could have signed the day after last season ended without arriving today. “
Now Savadori’s problem is …
“Exactly, correct observation. Aleix has a contract until 2022. If Dovi started racing next year, Savadori could consider the role of test driver or a future in the SBK. 2021 has not even started, but many people are already thinking of 2022 ”.
Who will win in Qatar?
“Ducati was really competitive in the tests. I think Miller has a good chance, as do Zarco and Bagnaia. But I wouldn’t rule out the Yamahas either. Then there is Marquez. I heard Agostini say that he has to race and finish last. I’m convinced that Marc will go to Qatar to get on the podium and if he’s in good shape he might even try to win. “
And your friend Lorenzo?
“Jorge enjoys a certain relaxation in the Maldives. I saw him post some photos on social media. In my opinion, however, he is bored, with withdrawal symptoms from bicycles. Let me explain: Carlo Checa, when he retired, decided to do it after careful consideration and in the months that followed when I heard from him he was always happy and enthusiastic about the decision he made. Jorge, on the other hand, seems bored to me because he quit at the age of 30. It’s like going on vacation. If you are away from home for 2-3 weeks, you will enjoy your vacation. But if you stay outside for a year, you will get bored after a while. And Lorenzo is in this situation in my opinion. It’s the marginal profit theory that I learned while studying at Bocconi. “
We talked about Aprilia earlier. As you know, it was hit hard by Gresini’s death …
“It’s a story that touched me too, given the relationship I had with Fausto. I heard it on December 20th that we should have met, but then we couldn’t organize it. Gresini was special and now it’s up to his family to judge how to move forward for the future. I remember when Fausto wanted Pedrosa, but negotiations with Dani weren’t easy. I then suggested Melandri. I called Marco at midnight to meet him with Gresini. That was a moment I will always remember. “