After 4 races on 3 different tracks, the price for the best motorcycle goes to Ducati and Yamaha. The Desmosedici only won one race but put 4 different drivers on the podium, the M1 3 GPs with 2 drivers and 3 different ones on the podium: so the fight is essentially a draw. But now there are tracks from Le Mans that are ideal hunting grounds for the red motorcycles. Although the D16 can only show last year’s victory with Petrucci in the statistics, it likes the Bugatti course. And his drivers know that too.
Bagnaia, Miller and Zarco were the protagonists of the press conference at the start of the weekend and each of them has their own cards to play.
As always, Pecco is not caught in emotions: “I’ve only been world champion for 10 days, I don’t attach too much importance to that – he said cautiously – but I like this track, its layout works well with the Ducati and I’m doing very well here prepared “.
Jack is a little more confident after his win in Jerez: “I feel a combination of emotions, a bit of relief, and I’m even more excited to get started. We drivers are like this: We always want more ”.
Then there was Johann, who made a few missteps after a really good start in Qatar, but can count on the home effect. So it was the French who expressed the thoughts of many: “It would be really nice to share the podium with three of us on Sunday. With this bike I have already shown that I can stay ahead ”.
A 1-2-3 for Borgo Panigale is still missing and now there is a chance it will happen. Not just in Le Mans, because afterwards there are three tracks on which it can be successful. France is followed by Mugello and Barcelona, but for now the drivers have to think about this weekend.
“I think the Desmosedici will be able to drive well on all tracks, it also works well with different driving styles.” confirmed Bagnaia and his brand colleagues. Plus, even in the wet, it’s not bad news for Ducati riders, who know how competitive the Desmosedici is in these conditions. Like Müller. Pecco is more likely to have more doubts: “I’ve only driven six wet races in my entire career,” he recalls. “Being at the top gives him additional motivation,” breaks off Zarco.
But there is a race between saying and doing. And many rivals. In recent years, Honda and Yamaha have always shared the victories at Le Mans, the Suzukis are also dangerous and in the rain, KTM and Aprilia could be a surprise. As for his opponents, Bagnaia doesn’t believe Marquez is out of competition: “It is difficult to be out for so many months, it was strange for me to be driving in the tests in Qatar after the winter break,” he said. Marc did a great job at Portimao, but Jerez was a more physical track. He has now had two races and if it is wet it will be better for him. If he starts to go fast he will be in the battle for the championship ”.
There is no shortage of opponents, that 1-2-3 is a dream but also achievable. Bagnaia, Miller and Zarco left the conference room hoping to meet again in the same location on Sunday.