Gigi Dall’Igna was also at the team Pramac presentation, a demonstration of how strong the bond is between Paolo Campinoti’s structure and the manufacturer. In Naples, the Ducati Corse General Director also commented on the latest Australian tests, where the GP17 encountered more trouble than had been expected.

“We cannot be satisfied after tests like the ones at Phillip Island - the engineer said, without making any bones about it - For the first time, the lack of winglets was felt much more than we had expected. I should also point out that we used a setting that was not ideal for that situation, but they were useful tests for figuring out our limits and being able to scramble for cover.”

It is no secret that Ducati had pushed hard on the aerodynamics of their bike and the new regulation penalised them particularly. Phillip Island was confirmation of this.

Dall’Igna said it again clearly: “The data collected tells us that the lack of load on the front is the main culprit for the problems we are having.”

It is only logical to expect a counter manoeuvre soon. After all, Yamaha, Suzuki and Aprilia have already shown off their fairings that have built-in internal spoilers.

“We will have the limitation of two aerodynamic developments during the season, so it will be important to consider carefully before introducing them. That is why we are taking our time” commented Dall’Igna.

And the curiosity to see what the Borgo Panigale designers have devised increases more and more every day.