Comparing data with his Ducati colleagues shows that Luca Marini loses time up to fifth gear – He has not yet found the reason
In the first four MotoGP races it was noticeable that Luca Marini was able to set good times in the practice sessions. In the races, however, the rider from the VR46 Ducati team always lost positions. His starting positions so far were: 17, 13, 3 and 11. This turned into the following race results: 13, 14, 11 and 17.
“In my opinion the bike has improved since the first race, but the other Ducatis have improved even more”, Marini draws a first interim balance. He has the same bike as the Ducati factory team and as Pramac.
“In Qatar I think we did something wrong. In Austin I didn’t feel any problems. The electronics side of the bike is good. The power and acceleration looks okay when I ride alone. When I ride alone, it doesn’t feel so slow. “
“But comparing the data, I notice that I lose most of the time on the straight. We don’t know why though. We have tried different electronic settings. But we haven’t found a solution.”
At 184 centimetres, Marini is one of the tallest riders in the field. He weighs 69 kilograms. In comparison, Enea Bastianini measures 168 centimetres and weighs 64 kilograms. Does Marini’s height put him at a disadvantage?
“I don’t think it’s because I’m taller, because it’s not an aerodynamic problem. I lose from first to fifth gear. In sixth gear it’s okay. I’m very tall, but I pay very close attention to make sure my riding position is as aerodynamic as possible.”
Marini’s guess goes in another direction: “Maybe it’s a weight problem, I weigh maybe four, five kilograms too much.” This is especially the case compared to Bastianini and Martin (168 centimetres/62 kilograms).