Ducati Denies Aprilia’s Special Test Request for Jorge Martin…

Ducati has denied Aprilia’s request for a special test for Jorge Martin before his return from injury, citing a lack of unanimous agreement among manufacturers as the reason. Gigi Dall’Igna criticized Aprilia’s approach, emphasizing the importance of discussion and adherence to current regulations. Jorge Martin expressed concern about his readiness to ride ahead of the Qatar events.

Ducati and Aprilia recently engaged in a contentious discussion regarding a special test for Jorge Martin, who is recovering from injury. This proposal was presented to the Manufacturers’ Association (MSMA), requiring unanimous consent from rival manufacturers, which was ultimately not achieved during a meeting ahead of the Americas GP.

Ducati’s General Manager, Gigi Dall’Igna, expressed criticism towards Aprilia’s handling of the situation. Aprilia management publicly disclosed their request during the MotoGP race weekend in Argentina, which Dall’Igna contended was inappropriate and resulted in a lack of detailed discussion about the implications of such a rule change.

During the MSMA emergency meeting, which extended for nearly two hours, Ducati aligned with Yamaha’s position, while Honda, initially supportive, voted against the proposal. KTM was the only manufacturer supporting the testing session, leading to disappointment for Aprilia.

Dall’Igna clarified that while Ducati did not actively oppose the test for Martin—an important rider who won a championship with them—rules should not be altered mid-season. He highlighted the need for a more thorough examination of the potential ramifications of such changes, beyond simply discussing the test itself.

This situation is particularly unfortunate for Jorge Martin, who is attending a race paddock for the first time this year and has expressed apprehension about riding in any capacity before the upcoming Qatar events.

In conclusion, Ducati’s refusal to permit a special test for Jorge Martin prior to his return highlights the complexities surrounding MotoGP regulations. The discussion, marred by miscommunication and public disclosure, underscores the necessity for careful deliberation among manufacturers before any rule adjustments. While Ducati supports Martin’s return, they firmly believe in maintaining the integrity of competition rules.

Original Source: www.motorsport.com