Locatelli: "Maybe we need different people and new motivation"

Yamaha rider Andrea Locatelli crossed the finish line in seventh place in the first Superbike race in Misano. Nevertheless, the Italian was the best R1 rider. However, given the gap of over 26 seconds to winner Nicolo Bulega (Ducati), this was no consolation.

Ducati is currently miles ahead in the production-based world championship. In the media round after the race on Saturday, Locatelli spoke openly about the frustrating situation in which he and Yamaha currently find themselves.

"We are working hard to always achieve the best possible result. We know it's not easy and the gap to the top is very big," said the 29-year-old. "But that's something I can't control. I'm trying to look after myself and improve. That's the most important thing."

Does the Italian see a light at the end of the tunnel? "It's difficult to say. There are tracks where things are going better, but on others we have more problems. We have to analyse where our problems lie and make progress weekend after weekend," explained Locatelli. "From the beginning of the year until now, everything has not always been very clear. Sometimes the feeling was good, sometimes not. We know that we have to work hard to make a step forward. I always try to do my best. I always believe that we can do it and I enjoy riding my bike."

Andrea Dosoli said in a recent SPEEDWEEK.com interview that it is impossible to make up a gap of one second per lap. "It is normal that there is technical progress and that time does not stand still. With the package we have available, we can't find two seconds," emphasised Locatelli. "We have to concentrate on our good areas and find a solution for the points where we have difficulties. We have to take a completely different approach. We are talking about technology and updates for the motorbike. But we also need different people and a new motivation with this package. Maybe we just need to go in a different direction. But I am not a technician and cannot judge what is possible and what is not. I don't know whether we can get more out of our engine, electronics or aerodynamics. I know how to ride and push the bike - I do my best on the bike. It's not my job to improve it."

In 2027, Michelin will replace Italian manufacturer Pirelli as the tyre supplier in the Superbike World Championship. Could this help Yamaha? "It's hard to say, but the tyres are the same for everyone in the end. If we have difficulties, then it doesn't matter which tyres we have," mused Locatelli. "With the new tyres, however, we may have to think outside the box in terms of the engine, electronics and aerodynamics. But it will be difficult for everyone, especially the drivers, to understand the limits of the tyres. You may also have to completely adapt your driving style. It will be both a challenge and motivation for us to start next season with something different."