Small, fast, and surprisingly prickly, the Donnola is designed to be a ghost on the battlefield—appearing from nowhere to deliver a flurry of shells before vanishing back into the treeline. Positioned as a direct competitor to the French Char Mle. 75, this Italian light tank brings a unique “burst” flavor to Tier IX reconnaissance.
Donnola Tank Preview – World of Tanks Supertest
Introduction
The Italian branch is expanding its horizons on the Supertest with the introduction of the Donnola, a Tier IX light tank that lives up to its name (Italian for “Weasel”). Small, fast, and surprisingly prickly, the Donnola is designed to be a ghost on the battlefield—appearing from nowhere to deliver a flurry of shells before vanishing back into the treeline. Positioned as a direct competitor to the French Char Mle. 75, this Italian light tank brings a unique “burst” flavor to Tier IX reconnaissance.
Rapid-Fire 60mm Gun: 9-Shell Magazine
The Donnola’s primary tool for disruption is its highly unconventional 60mm semi-automatic gun:
- 9-Shell Total Capacity: The magazine is structured into three “cassettes” of three shells each. This allows the tank to fire in rapid three-shot bursts, delivering a sudden spike of damage that can catch opponents off guard.
- Burst Potential: With 80 HP per shell (based on initial reports), a full magazine represents a significant 720 HP burst, though the magic happens in the “mini-bursts” that allow for quick support fire.
- 16-Second Full Reload: For a Tier IX light tank, a 16-second reload for the entire magazine is remarkably fast, ensuring the Donnola is never out of the fight for long.
- 2-Second Aiming Time: The gun handling is tuned for the “hit-and-run” lifestyle. You pop out, dump a burst with minimal aiming delay, and retreat.
Swift 70 km/h Mobility
True to its “Weasel” moniker, the Donnola is one of the most agile vehicles entering the high-tier meta:
- Top Forward Speed of 70 km/h: This puts it in the upper echelon of scouts, allowing it to contest key early-game positions like the hills of Mines or the bushes of Prokhorovka with ease.
- 20 km/h Reverse Speed: While not as fast as its forward momentum, the reverse speed is sufficient for backing out of danger once its “spamloader” magazine is empty.
- Compact Size and Stealth: The Donnola’s small silhouette and high base concealment make it an exceptionally difficult target to spot and hit, even when active scouting.
Recon and Burst Support
The Donnola isn’t just a passive observer; it’s a “combat scout” that thrives on chaos:
- Elite Reconnaissance: Thanks to its compact size and mobility, it excels at traditional scouting roles. It can weave through enemy lines to find hidden artillery or stationary TDs.
- Aggressive Support: Unlike many lights that struggle to contribute damage, the Donnola’s “burst” mechanic allows it to support allies by punishing enemies who have just fired or are distracted by heavier targets.
- Flexible Engagement: It can play as a traditional passive scout in the early game and transition into a lethal “clean-up” vehicle as the match progresses.
Tactical Considerations
Commanding the Donnola requires a high degree of situational awareness:
- Trigger Discipline: Because the gun fires in bursts, you must ensure your first shell lands. Missing the start of a burst can lead to wasted potential and unwanted exposure.
- Magazine Management: With a 16-second reload, you have windows of vulnerability. Always time your magazine swaps when you are safely behind cover or repositioning.
- Map Exploitation: Use your 70 km/h speed to create crossfires. The Donnola is best when the enemy has to choose between looking at a heavy tank or looking at the “Weasel” biting their flank.
Playstyle Implications
The Donnola encourages a “High-Activity” playstyle:
- The Ghost Scout: Spend the first few minutes identifying enemy movements without firing. Use your superior concealment to keep the enemy team lit for your snipers.
- The Burst Opportunist: Once a gap opens, move in. Look for isolated targets or tanks with long reloads. Dump a 3-shell “mini-burst,” observe the reaction, and either stay to dump more or vanish.
- Late-Game Menace: As the map opens up, the Donnola becomes terrifying. Its ability to relocate quickly and burst down low-HP targets makes it a premier late-game carry tank.
Community Reception
The “Donnola” has sparked lively debate within the World of Tanks community:
- “Italian Bradley” Comparisons: Many players have pointed out the visual similarity to the Bradley or Marder, leading to a “modern” feel that some find exciting and others find out of place.
- Tech Tree vs. Premium: Some frustration exists that this is a Tier IX premium/reward vehicle rather than the start of a long-awaited Italian light tank tech tree line.
- The “Spamloader” Hype: Fans of high-clip-potential lights (like the AMX 13 57) are eagerly anticipating the Donnola, hoping it brings that same frantic, fun energy to Tier IX.
What Sets the Donnola Apart
The Donnola carves out a specific niche compared to other Tier IX scouts:
- The “Cassette” Mechanic: Unlike the Char Mle. 75, which focuses on larger bursts, the Donnola’s 3×3 magazine offers more granular control over its damage delivery.
- Pure Scouting Pedigree: While many high-tier lights are moving toward “medium-light” hybrids, the Donnola retains the small size and high camouflage values of a pure scout.
- Modern Aesthetic: Its visual design stands out as one of the more modern-looking vehicles in the game, appealing to collectors of unique prototypes.
What’s Next?
As it progresses through the Supertest, Wargaming will likely be looking at:
- Burst Accuracy: Does the “spam” fire become too inaccurate at range, or does it need a nerf to keep it from being a pocket-sniper?
- Concealment Values: Finding the “sweet spot” where it’s hard to spot but not impossible for active scouts to counter.
- Event Placement: Will this be the headline reward for an upcoming Frontline season or a part of a special assembly shop?
Final Thoughts
The Donnola is a breath of fresh air for the Italian line and the light tank class. It offers a sophisticated blend of high-end scouting and explosive fire support that rewards skilled players who can manage its unique magazine. While it may not be the tech tree expansion everyone was hoping for, it is undoubtedly one of the most mechanically interesting light tanks to enter the game in years. If you enjoy playing the “annoying weasel” that the enemy team simply cannot catch, the Donnola is a tank to keep on your radar.
