We skipped the post-Jerez press release. Sometimes, silence is a form of superstition. “Let’s wait for Le Mans and maybe we’ll have something good to say”. And actually, we do have something to say. But instead of celebrating, it’s time for some self-criticism.
The situation is complicated, we are stuck in a loop, we keep ruining our Sundays with qualifying anxiety, the stopwatch is more like an enemy than a friend, the “official hands” burn. We don’t know how to handle them anymore, and so we keep ending up in Q1, always behind 15th place. Always chasing. And chasing means wasting more tyres, more energy, more concentration, it’s easy to lose your way…. And so, even when we bring home a standard 9th place, it feels more like effort than a good result. The lap times were good… but it’s like setting the right lap in the wrong lane.
The goal for the next race is clear: we need to start at the front. That means aiming at the first two rows. Otherwise, we’re always in deep water. In Moto3, when you’re struggling, there is no margin for error. There has been a small awakening from Lunetta… I hope he quickly figures out what he wants to do “when he grows up”. Because he definitely has talent. Sometimes it’s the mind that makes the difference.
Nepa started off strong, but since that missed podium in Thailand, it feels like something has broken. Now we are dangerously close to a technical-emotional black hole. I have tried to push him, speaking less gently and more like an external, tough technician. But Sunday’s retirement – without a real explanation -said a lot. I hope he can get back to that state of mind where he thinks less and has more fun.
Let’s move to the MotoE chapter. A whole new team. Mechanics, riders, fresh faces, led by two veterans: Fabio and Marco. But we knew from the start that the road would be uphill. We told Occhi and Fusco: this championship is unique, the grid itself is like a playground for former champions; Ferrari, Casadei, Garzò.
We started far behind, with a gap of several seconds. But in their favor, these guys had very little time to ride and get familiar with the track and the bike and the new Michelin tyres certainly didn’t help them. There were a huge number of crashes, caused by constant vibrations, as many as in the entire 2024 season. So much that even Ducati ran out of spare parts and words. Now the real work begins, adjusting the setups to the new tyres and adapting both mind and heart to this category. So, guys, stay calm… and keep a cool head.
On Monday we had the Moto3 tests, which I hope brought good results… To open minds and maybe even new paths. Gentlemen, full steam ahead, the season is still long.
-PaoloSic58-