Ducati MotoGP boss Luigi Dall'Igna says it could launch an official protest against Honda's wings, as it believes them to be “dangerous", as well as a potentially moveable aerodynamic part.
Ducati's rear swingarm wing was the subject of an official protest made by Aprilia, Honda, KTM and Suzuki in the wake of its Qatar Grand Prix victory, with the case now being seen in the Court of Appeals after it was initially thrown out by Race Direction.
A decision from the appeal will be decided prior to the Argentine Grand Prix, with Dall'Igna adamant Ducati's device is legal.
Speaking to Sky Sports Italy, Dall'Igna says Honda's questioning of the current aero rules means Ducati may now seek to take action against HRC's wings as it feels they contravene the regulations – despite being declared legal by technical director Danny Aldridge prior to the Qatar race.
“I was quite surprised, above all from the behaviour of Honda, who is one of the protagonists of the championship since the beginning, it is one of the founding members of MotoGP together with Ducati and Yamaha,” Dall'Igna said.
“Until now, all technical disputes had been resolved either within the MSMA [Manufacturers' Association] or by discussing with the technical director, always finding an answer to all the questions that the various competitors places on the table.
“The fact that Honda has questioned the choices of the technical director put us in a position to ask ourselves if we should make a possible complaint against Honda for its wings, which we honestly consider as dangerous.
“Their base is slight, the could also be subject to to significant deformations. It would happen due to the loads they are placed under, and therefore could be considered to be a moveable aerodynamic appendage.
“We had never considered them, but if Honda has questioned the work of Danny Aldridge, this allows us to think of a possible complaint against Honda in the next races.”
Andrea Dovizioso beat Honda's Marc Marquez by 0.023 seconds in a thrilling Qatar Grand Prix. The result still stands while the appeal process is ongoing.
Earlier this week, Aprilia CEO Massimo Rivola revealed the Noale firm had been told by Aldridge that the use of a Ducati-style rear spoiler on the swingarm would only be permitted in wet conditions on safety grounds.
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