The Ducati Desmosedici GP25 toured Barcelona this week with Francesco Bagnaia, Marc Marquez and Michele Pirro. Fabio di Giannantonio was present but did not ride due to his shoulder injury, which he underwent surgery for a few weeks ago. He nevertheless gave his news, and delivered some comments on his next motorcycle.
His presence in Barcelona: “I wanted to surprise the team, but at the same time it was very important to come to the tests, see the new bike and start talking a little about next year. Even though my team leader couldn't come due to an unexpected event, it was important to start chatting and see how (the newcomers) work. This could make a difference in the preparation for next year, also because it's different to be on site, walking around the stands and seeing what others are doing, instead of following it on TV . »
Marc Marquez's opinion on the GP25: “He said everything was much easier, but we already knew that GP23 had limitations. Even Michele Pirro, who rode this bike on Sunday, said it wasn't turning and it had no grip, and we told him: 'Welcome to the club.' We already knew that, because it's been like that all season. The GP24 is already a big step forward from the GP23, and the GP25 still seems a bit better, so we'll see. »
Shoulder convalescence: “I feel much better than last week. The first few days after the operation were quite tough as I couldn't sleep and had some level of pain. But now everything is fine and even the medical staff have been impressed by my daily progress. I am improving a lot and in two weeks I will take off the brace, start doing some exercises in the pool and I will also be able to start active rehabilitation and move my shoulder on my own. It's going to be a long winter, but so far everything is going well. »
Getting back on track: “The plan is obviously to take part in the tests at Sepang, but I don't think I will be 100% physically, because I have lost a lot of muscle mass and it will take me a long time to rebuild those muscles and my endurance. »
The competition prepares its weapons: “I saw that all the builders were working very hard. This is perhaps the year with the most new things, also in terms of motorcycles. I really saw a lot of changes. (…) Yamaha has many motorcycles in the garage; Aprilia also made a nice bike and I saw that KTM has different exhausts, so they will also work with the new engine that they brought this year with Pol Espargaro. It is normal that there are many manufacturers working, but in my opinion Ducati knows what we need. »
