MotoGP | Valencia Test: Pirro, “Stoner? This year he only did 40 laps"

MotoGP Test Valencia – The Valencia tests which officially kick off the 2019 season are currently underway. The track conditions are 'forcing' the drivers to stay in the pits. The rain that fell during the night left the circuit damp.

Ducati test rider Michele Pirro is also present at the tests and will take to the track with the GP19 in the two days of testing.

Interviewed by Sky Michele Pirro spoke about the updates and the bike and Casey Stoner's role as test rider in the last two years. We remind you that the Australian rider will end his relationship with the Borgo Panigale manufacturer at the end of the year.

“We start from the GP18 base but there will be things to explore, improvements on some aspects” said Michele Pirro who then added: “Last year we brought forward a bike that was supposed to debut here but it didn't give me confidence and therefore it is was perhaps the key to this year's results. Starting with a bike that didn't give us much confidence made us open our horizons for a moment and we went to work on other aspects."

On Stoner's departure he said: “Objectively, he didn't travel much. I think this year he will have done 40 laps in Sepang, it's difficult to quantify his contribution. For my part, I learned something, but as far as the real work is concerned, someone else did it, not him."

The driver from Puglia then spoke about the arrival of Danilo Petrucci and the relationship with the two official drivers: “Among Italians it's also a little easier, Danilo has every opportunity to work and also at home to compare notes. A new adventure begins for him but a process that began years ago continues. Then from tonight we will talk based on the feedback they have received. With Andrea we will also see each other out for motocross, with Danilo we are starting now but we have always compared each other. We must remain united to try to beat our tough opponents. We have to push our strengths on Made in Italy."