Rossi: "We have to wait for the engine"

The tests at Mugello were positive, but small changes to the engine did not bring benefits. Ok aluminum swingarm | G. Zamagni, Barcelona

MONTMELO '- The heat is stifling in Montmelo, outskirts of Barcelona, ​​where Sunday is scheduled for the GP of Catalunya, the fifth round of the season. In the paddock, the Italians speak mainly of the earthquake that devastated the Emilia and some people - like Pietro Caprara, chief mechanic of Alex De Angelis in Moto2 - he lived through and is now forced to live in a camper. Even Valentino Rossi, before we talk about bikes, he wants to express his thoughts about what is happening in Italy. "Great and solidarity to all those who now lives in fear of going back inside the house." As for the GP of Catalunya, Valentino tried to check the week at Mugello : the engine, slightly modified to have more torque, has given great results , while tomorrow Rossi definitely use the aluminum swingarm , mounted on both bikes, but discarded by team-mate Nicky Hayden ("gives chattering" commented) that will continue with the carbon one.


"At Mugello we tried a small change to the four-cylinder - Valentino says - but we knew that was not enough. We want something else, on which Ducati is already working, we hope to prove it as soon as possible, but still not ready. So we go on with the same motor but in any case, that of Mugello was a positive test. Trying it yourself is difficult to know exactly, but the aluminum swingarm and electronics changed I liked : I managed to turn quite well and, above all, easier to keep a steady pace and less stress on the rear tire. Our goal is to dry to be closer to those that are before us that, generally, are the black Yamaha (the Tech 3 team, NDA) and Bautista. As said Filippo Preziosi, at Laguna Seca we should have a motor a little 'more change that we will experience even before. From here in Laguna missing a lot of races and we try to do better than before. Le Mans was a special occasion and is the happiness of having exploited at 100% but now back on dry land where we suffer a bit 'more. I feel good and motivated, but we need something different to get the most technically strong . "


For the rest, there are few new elements. Casey Stoner says "to have nostalgia for racing 20 years ago because there was more respect", while Jorge Lorenzo points out: "the level is very high and you never stop pushing . That the races have become very "physical" and you can not afford to make mistakes. "


Giovanni Zamagni