He was the first to climb on the GP17. Michele Pirro handed Jorge Lorenzo the bike with which the Spaniard will try to give Ducati the title it's been missing for so long. During the Nolan party at Brembate di Sopra, the Italian spoke confidently about the red bike that he believe will be play a starring role this coming season.

What vote can we give 2016?

“I think I deserve a 7.5-8 for the way I've ridden and for the work on the various bikes, including the GP14 and the GP16. The only negative was the CIV result. Despite having won all the races, I didn't bring the title home, but I'm nevertheless satisfied with what we've done”.

Lorenzo said he smiled after testing the Ducati. Did you expect that?

“Jorge has come to Ducati at the right time, three years ago it would have been different. Now the bike is at a good level, we've done great work though there are still points to improve. I think we have a good base, despite some slightly critical areas".

Ciabatti has said that the bike is still too demanding from a physical point of view.

“Exactly. When getting into gear, mid-turn, we're suffering a little too much. At home we are working to take a step forward. On 24 January we'll be at Sepang to evaluate the progress made over the winter ”.

What will change without the winglets?

“It's hard to make a comparison, because the moment you take them away the set-up of the bike is different. We've worked on the development for a year and a half and now the task is to not lose the advantage. Without the wings, the Ducati is more physical, the set-up is what makes the difference”.

You've said that Lorenzo has come to Ducati at the right time. Is it also the right time for the title?

“I think we can aim for a great season. Winning won't be easy, but we're starting on a level playing field, very close to Marquez. As well as Lorenzo, I'm sure that Dovizioso and Petrucci will be competitive. We're creating a bike that works with every riding style”.

Will we see you in CIV again in 2017?

“I expect to do 3-4 wildcards, while we're still evaluating the CIV because the MotoGP and the tests are the priority. The Italian series is great, I enjoy it and it keeps in training. Over the next weeks we'll define everything”.

How do you think Davies will do on the MotoGP?

“I'm interested to see, every so often he asks me how the Michelins and MotoGP are going. he's proved to be fast with the Panigale and it's only right to give him the opportunity, a dream”.