We know one thing you don’t need is pressure. In your old team they’ve always been good at taking all kinds of weight off your shoulders, but now that you’re in an official team, how do you plan on tackling the issue?
Surely it’s part of a growth process and it’s correct to learn how to manage it better, but if I see it’s too much I’ll say, jokingly, guys… calm down and let’s solve it.
But I’m sure that where I grew up, in the Gresini team, there was a very different philosophy from what the Factory team will be; but already during the tests I adapted to the new team, the people I’ve worked with are fantastic so I’m not worried.
Last season the Ducati riders all agreed on how Pecco makes the difference in braking. Do you also think this way?
Pecco undoubtedly brakes very hard, it has always been his peculiarity since he was younger and we raced together in Moto3. I think it will always be like this, he is very strong in that aspect. I’m strong on entry, Martin is strong on exit, Zarco is strong on the hairpins and tight corners… everyone has his style and that’s the beauty of it. In my opinion, we have a bike that goes well with everyone and everyone knows how to make the most of it in different ways.
Among your rivals, who will be the one who will suffer the most from the arrival of the sprint race?
It’s hard to say now, I think we can make a prediction, but it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the right one. For example, last season, in the first laps of the race, I didn’t really give my all, so it could be me, but we’ll see.
With the Sprint Race all the more reason it is even more important to have a good qualifying, is this still your “weak point”?
Qualifying is a point that I filled over time, in the last few races of last season I always started far ahead so I just have to try to keep the same philosophy and let’s say that with the 2019 bike it was difficult to do good qualifying.
It is said that the Ducati is the best bike, does it create any psychological problems for you?
No, because I also think it’s the best bike. I haven’t tried the others but I think that’s the case, obviously the level is high, very high, and what really makes the difference is the detail, but for this reason I think Ducati is a step forward.
How do you expect your first Mugello as an official Ducati rider?
I think it will be very nice to see the Ducati grandstand since I will be part of it and therefore the satisfaction is great. Unfortunately for me Mugello has never been too lucky a race, something has always happened to me so let’s hope that this year the situation will change.
Do you have any worries about being in a factory team?
Apart from the number of journalists who interview me, no… Apart from that, nothing worries me.
Not even the lack of your technical boss Alberto “pajamino” Giribuola?
Certainly with “pyjamas” I had established an excellent relationship but I will also have to do it with Marco and I think it will be something that will come spontaneously during the races.
