Honda was among the many 4 premier-class producers that protested Ducati within the aftermath of the Qatar MotoGP opener, questioning the legality of the ‘spoon’ appendage that featured on the rear of the three Desmosedici GP19 bikes within the race.
The protest was thrown out by the FIM stewards on the race, however was subsequently referred to the MotoGP Court of Appeals, which is because of rule on the matter earlier than the subsequent race in Argentina.
Ducati tech chief Gigi Dall’Igna says he’s most irked by Honda’s participation within the protest, relatively than Aprilia’s, Suzuki’s or KTM’s.
“I was quite surprised above all by the behaviour of Honda which, in addition to being a protagonist of the world championship, is also one of the founding fathers of modern MotoGP together with Ducati and Yamaha [which didn’t protest],” Dall”Igna instructed Sky Italia.
“I haven’t got a lot to say about this within the case of KTM and Aprilia. If I had been them proper now, I might be considering of one thing else and attempting to develop the bike a bit.
“The strategy that Suzuki and Honda can take is totally different, as a result of they will really take an actual benefit of a doable disqualification of [Qatar GP winner Andrea] Dovizioso and Ducati from the primary race of the championship.”
Ducati believes the legality of the appendage was lined by a observe from MotoGP technical director Danny Aldridge forward of Qatar, though Aprilia, which was the driving power between the protest, has claimed that Aldridge had beforehand instructed it an analogous half can be dominated unlawful.
“Until now, all disputes of a technical nature had been resolved either within the Manufacturers’ Association or by discussing them with the technical director,” Dall’Igna continued.
“The undeniable fact that Honda has questioned the alternatives of the technical director places us ready to lift the query of whether or not to make a grievance in opposition to them.
“Honda’s wings are actually harmful for us. Not solely that, however as they’re made with such a slender base, they could possibly be topic to vital deformation from the hundreds they’re subjected to, and subsequently may maybe carry out the operate of movable aerodynamic gadgets [which are forbidden].
Marc Marquez, Repsol Honda Team
Photo by: Gold and Goose / LAT Images
“We had by no means thought-about a grievance on this respect, but when anybody, notably Honda, has questioned the work of Danny Aldridge, we may consider a doable grievance in future races.”
The debate over Ducati’s machine hinges on whether or not or not its major function is to chill the rear tyre, because the producer claims, relatively than generate downforce.
“We are absolutely calm, because our device is used to cool the rear rubber and we have evidence to prove it,” Dall’Igna mentioned.
“We have so much evidence that justifies our behavior, that we are not worried at all.”
Ducati sporting director Paolo Ciabatti has beforehand urged that the protest was “political” in nature.
“I think they wanted to intimidate us and prevent us from using a part that had already been approved by the technical director,” mentioned Dall’Igna.
“Obviously we decided to use this and then they found themselves forced to continue in a situation that, if I were in their shoes, I would find embarrassing.”
Danilo Petrucci, Ducati Team
Photo by: Gold and Goose / LAT Images