Moto3 Assen: Virginio Ferrari “After a difficult start we are starting to see the light”

We met Virginio Ferrari, Team Manager of San Carlo Team Italia, in Assen. With the 1987 world champion in the F1 category (the one that preceded the Superbike), as well as vice-world champion in the 500cc class in 1979, we talked about this first part of the season, here's what he told us.

Virginio, we are here in Assen, let's take stock of this first part of the season.

“Assen has always been, if we want, a turning point, both from the technical side and from that of the rider market. In our case in the first part of the season we have very notable technical problems, partly resolved. Today we cannot say that we are with the boat in port, but we have identified a series of partially resolved problems. The riders are more confident, both in the race set-up and on the chassis, especially in the front end."

So what do you expect between now and the end of the season?

“I expect to come back from that Berlin Wall of 20th place, which we have already seen demolished by Matteo Ferrari, who scored points at Mugello for example. He could have done better in Barcelona but a bad start prevented him. Andrea Locatelli went even better up to a certain point, but then with the wrist injury that occurred due to a fall caused by another rider he found himself in less than perfect physical condition and then he was also a little confused in the adjustment of the activity mentioned above.”

Matteo Ferrari actually went from Mugello onwards

“Right now Matteo is a little bit faster than Andrea, who will have to check his problems tomorrow also thanks to a new engine. We remain confident.”

Mahindra, especially with Oliveira and Tonucci, seems to have made some steps forward, what can you tell us?

“This is true, but we have one step less than them. In fact, we have last year's chassis, because we are not "total" aware of what the potential of the chassis part could be, all this due to a precedent that existed between Mahindra and Suter which was not very outlined and defined . That's why we found ourselves in the middle of paying the consequences."

As an engine, have you had a step since Mugello?

“We had some details on the gearbox and clutch which together with the electronic part allowed us to improve.”

You also did well in the post-race tests.

“Yes, Matteo had reached a good feeling and this gives us hope.”

What do you expect for tomorrow?

“Matteo is in pretty good shape, I hope Andrea can find the right confidence also thanks to the new engine. That's what he's missing right now."

We thank you for this interview Virginio and wish you good luck for the rest of the season.

“Long live the She-Wolf and all the little wolves!” (she says smiling).