Yamaha lanserade 2009 års team idag.
- Thread starter Gustav O
- Start date
metkallica
_____Ordförande i____ MCK_WHEELERS_FALUN
Varför har Lorenzo bytt nummer till 99?
Dr.Bike
Guest
Det där är ju nada, speciellt inte i TV. Fast det lär ju vara bättre investering än att sponsra Kawasaki/Hopkins/West från topp till tå.
För att han har bytt manager och hans gamla nummer, 48, var även hans gamla managers, Dani Amaritrian, nummer. Han vill väl markera en omstart i karriären.
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Axxexs
Ordinary man doing extraordinary things
- Gick med
- 11 Dec 2003
- Ort
- Verkstan
- Hoj
- Technical Sports Racing AC28-M Prototype powered by Honda Racing Corporation
Valentino Rossi interview
How was your winter holiday? What have you been doing during your time off?
My winter holidays were great! I have a great passion for snowboarding and so I went to the mountains with my friends, did a bit of boarding, which was great fun, and now I am ready to start working again.
How are your memories of 2008? After having some time for your victory to sink in, can you choose your absolute favourite moment of 2008?
It’s difficult to choose my favourite moment because, luckily, there were many in what was an incredible season! I returned to winning ways, but the most emotional race was the one in Laguna Seca, because it was definitely the most important victory of the season.
You had a chance to try the prototype bike before the break. What’s your opinion of it so far and do you think Yamaha are doing a good job?
Yes, I had the chance to try the 2009 prototype briefly after Valencia but more so in Jerez, when I was very fast. The bike seems better and I was faster than I was with the 2008 version. I’m very confident, and anyway we’re only at the beginning of our work and now we must use these months before April to improve the 2009 M1 even more.
What improvements are you hoping for in the next evolution model that you will test in Sepang next week?
In Sepang next week we will use our new bike… I will use my two bikes with the parts which I will use in the race, so I want to quickly try to find a good feeling. We’re working a lot on the engine and we’re trying to find a way to improve the acceleration a bit, and I think that this is the area in which we will be concentrating.
The wall is staying in your garage. Why do you want it to stay?
In our team there are two very strong riders and both of these riders are setting out to win the world championship. We found the arrangement to work very well in 2008 and so we will continue with it also in 2009.
Are you expecting Jorge to be one of your main title challengers this year?
Yes, I do think that Lorenzo will be one of my strongest rivals, because he has a year’s more experience and this year there is also the monotyre, so we will start equal. He will be a very hard rival to fight.
Apart from him, who else do you expect will be fighting at the front with you?
I think that the number one rival will be Stoner. Then also Pedrosa will be very fast, and of course Lorenzo.
What do you think about the MotoGP ‘crisis’ and the departure of Kawasaki? Are you worried about the number of bikes on the grid?
I am very worried about the number of bikes on the MotoGP grid because in 2008 there were only 19, which was already not many. I hope that Kawasaki stay because otherwise this will become 17; we have to find a way to have more bikes on the track.
What do you think needs to be changed in order to try to increase it?
It’s difficult for me to say. I think that we need a bike that is a little less sophisticated and a little cheaper.
After two tests, what’s your opinion about the new mono-tyre rule? Do you think it’s going to improve the racing or not?
It’s a bit early to say, but I think that there will be a better show because everyone will have the same tyre. With the monotyre, for better or for worse and considering the show, during the last few laps of the race the bike will move around a bit more and so you will have to go a little bit slower. This will probably produce closer battles. We hope so!
What else do you think should be done in order to bring back closer racing? You have talked about a reduction in rider aids, can you tell us more about what you think should be done in this area?
In the last few years there have been races, especially since the arrival of the 800cc motorcycle, with a lot less close racing and I think that this is mostly to do with the evolution of the tyres. Now in the corners we’re very fast and so there is less time to try to overtake. Furthermore however, the huge evolutions in electronics have levelled the performance of the riders and therefore this has also led to a few less battles.
Everyone knows that you made a request to Yamaha to take part in a WSB race, specifically against Bayliss. Are you upset that this is not happening? Would you still like the chance to compete in a WSB race?
It was a fun idea, and I would have been very happy. I would still like to do a race in superbike and I would like to battle with Bayliss, because he is the world champion! Unfortunately it is a bit of a difficult period and I didn’t have the chance, but I hope that in the future, maybe next year, we can do it.
You did very well in the Rally of GB. Has this increased your desire to try rally fulltime at some point?
I have always loved rally, ever since I was little. It is one of my great passions and it is great to do one when I have the time and the chance. I always enjoy it a lot and probably, when I have given up the bikes and when I have the chance to improve and I have more time, I will do more…but it’s not a close future, because I still want to race with the bike for a few more years!
You also had another chance to test the Ferrari. Do you think you have improved your level in the car?
The Formula One… to try the Ferrari again was a great emotion. I have always been a great fan of racing cars, not just of rally. I was fast, so I was happy; I am fast enough also in Formula One! In 2006 I decided to stay with the bike and, of course, I still have some doubts, but just to climb inside the red car at Mugello and work with Ferrari was fantastic.
Have you had any more thoughts about F1 racing in the future?
As I said before, I had my chance and I decided to stay with bikes. The choice is made and I don’t think that there will be another possibility.
You are great friends with Marco Simoncelli. What’s your opinion about his 250 title last year and do you think he is the favourite to win again this year?
I am good friends with Simoncelli; he is a great guy. We train together and last year he surprised me because I knew that he great potential, but I didn’t think he would become World Champion. I am happy for him; he deserved it. He is staying in 250 and I think that he is the favourite for 2009.
Do you think Marco could be a good prospect for Yamaha in the future?
I think that Simoncelli will come to MotoGP, because he is a fast rider and he is very young. In Yamaha, however, we already have Lorenzo and I, so I think that he will be a good prospect for other factories.
Are you going to continue as ‘your own’ manager in 2009? Have you considered working with a new manager?
I am very happy with what I have decided to do and with my actual organisation, I don’t have any need for a manager and I am not thinking of having any type of manager for now.
There aren’t many targets left for you in your career…you’re already the most successful rider in the history of the sport. Do you have many more targets? Would you like to reach Agostini’s record of 122 wins in all classes?
Agostini’s record is something very important, naturally. I am not far off, but to do it I would have to continue to fight and race for a few more years! My principal objective is to win a few more world championships; this is more important than catching Agostini. Obviously, if I succeed then it will be wonderful!
Do you still have the same level of motivation as previously? How do you keep your interest and hunger?
To ride the bike on the track and to try to find ways to be faster, but above all to work with Yamaha and with this group of people, always makes me happy and therefore I feel motivated. I have been racing for a long time and every year I need to stay concentrated to find the right motivation and to be aggressive. I feel in form.
Finally, you said 2008 was the hardest title of your career. Do you think 2009 will be easier or even harder?
2008 was difficult because it was the year in which I had to give the most of myself in order to win. In 2009 it will be even more difficult because my adversaries, who suffered in 2008, are now out for payback and will be looking to beat me. I think it’s going to be even harder than 2008!
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Axxexs
Ordinary man doing extraordinary things
- Gick med
- 11 Dec 2003
- Ort
- Verkstan
- Hoj
- Technical Sports Racing AC28-M Prototype powered by Honda Racing Corporation
Davide Brivio Interview
Davide, this will be your 6th year working with Valentino at Yamaha. Do you still have as much excitement and motivation as you did in 2004, when he first joined you?
Yes, absolutely. This is the 6th season, but each one is different. The first was the one of the biggest challenges, but we won two titles before we faced some difficulties. The 2008 season represented an opportunity for redemption for us and we won. We have always set ourselves new challenges. Working with Valentino is very demanding, because we always want to do better and everybody’s attention is on us, but we are always spurred on by this positive pressure. The new season is already bringing us great excitement.
Your role in the Team was different in 2008 to previous years, because you were working only with Valentino. Were you happy in this revised role, and will anything change in this year?
My work was different in 2008 because in the past I had always had to take care of two riders. This time I could focus on just one rider and this had many advantages, because Valentino Rossi could have a whole team working just for him. I was happy that I could dedicate my time exclusively to Valentino, because we have a great relationship, working with him is always fun, but above all it is professionally rewarding. It was a positive season, as the results we achieved showed.
Valentino won 9 races last year, every possible title, and broke many more records. Obviously your target is to repeat that again this year, but what are your specific aims for the team? Do you think you can be even more successful in 2009, or will it be harder this year?
Certainly next year will be more difficult, partly because in 2008, after two hard years, we were not among the favourites. Maybe some people thought that it was the beginning of Valentino’s decline from a competitive point of view. Instead we managed to have a great, redeeming season, so now everybody is waiting for us, especially our rivals. This is normal; when you don’t win, you become more hard-bitten. This year Stoner will be more motivated and aggressive, as will his team. Pedrosa will try to do well and also Lorenzo, after his debut, will want to profit from his experience. It’ll be hard, everybody is lying in wait for us. But this challenge is the good thing about sport, so we accept it and look forward to seeing whether Valentino will manage to hold these kids off!
Do you think that Jorge Lorenzo will be challenging Valentino for the title? And how do you think this will affect the atmosphere inside the garage and the working relationship between the two teams?
I think the atmosphere in the garage will remain the same as in 2008; there was a separation and this helped, because Lorenzo will be one of the toughest adversaries in the challenge for the title. He showed this last year although he committed a few errors due to slight inexperience besides some unlucky falls. He’s certainly thinking about his 2008 mistakes this winter and he’ll try not to repeat them; he will be one of the toughest rivals, but we already knew this. He is very motivated. For him and for the other riders beating Valentino Rossi is an achievement, so we’ll have to put up a defence, or even attack these young riders who are hoping for the recognition they would receive if they managed to beat Valentino Rossi!
The wall in the garage will remain? Can you tell us the reason for this and your opinion about why it is the right thing to do?
There has been a lot of talk about this solution, but now everybody is getting used to it. The dividing wall during 2008 was dictated by the presence of different technical partners, tyre suppliers, causing a divide in the technical structures. But this solution worked well. When two riders fighting for victory are in the same team, there can be some tension between them. This solution lets us manage the situation in the best way, because as they say we have ‘two roosters in the hen house’. Maybe it is better to keep them separatd and let them be at their best during the races. I work only with Valentino Rossi, this is a good solution for him. But it is also good for Yamaha in general, because it allows both leading riders, Valentino and Lorenzo, to express themselves freely, without tensions in their relationship. I think others will follow our example. Even if they don’t have a real wall, sometimes there is an invisible wall and that can be even thicker than ours, which is visible. Other teams are experiencing tensions between their two riders, physically there is no wall between them but in reality it is almost as if there is one.
Which riders, in your opinion, are going to be Valentino’s main title threats?
Looking back at 2008, Stoner is certainly the main rival. Then Pedrosa and Lorenzo, but we must also keep an eye on Dovizioso, who’s joined the official team, has one year of experience behind him and is very constant in his results. We’ll see how Hayden will adapt to the new bike. I expect a very hard-fought championship, with at least these six riders capable of fighting for victory in every race. The consistency in the results that was our winning weapon in 2008, with our victories, will be very important. However the season is going to be very tough and unpredictable, therefore exciting from this point of view.
What do you think about Kawasaki leaving the championship? Do you think that the FIM should be considering rule changes in order to reduce costs? What would you suggest?
The economic crisis, which is affecting all sectors of business worldwide, has made no exception for motor racing. Some companies are facing difficulties, although I think Kawasaki were also pressured into retirement due to a lack of results. With more success and chalenge for victories they might have postponed their withdrawal or even stayed. However, this situation requires action. All the manufacturers are planning cost-saving solutions and I hope the FIM might take up an active role again, as we are all asking them to do, because maybe in recent years the commercial aspects of the sport have received too much attention compared to the technical ones. This is the right moment for the FIM to do more, it’s the moment for reconsidering the rules. Cost-cutting is the priority, however I don’t think anybody should panic. Some things should be changed and costs reduced and resources need to be managed well for the next two years. Also to think of how motorcycling will be in the next years is important, because this sport will go on. The crisis will finish, we must be positive and try to survive like everybody else, but also try to lay the bases for an even better future for this sport. Many suggestions can be made: carbon fibre disks could be eliminated, practice times reduced, thus diminishing the wear of engine and tyres. There are many possible solutions, the engineers will choose which changes will allow them to save the most. We’ll all have to make an effort together. Yamaha will do its part, as it is right. Survival is our main aim, and managing resources well, but we must also think of how to improve this sport in the future.
What’s your opinion about the new tyre rule? How will it change the working system in you garage?
The mono tyre rule gave rise to a great deal of discussion, but it came at the right moment. As a consequence there has been a reduction in testing, which is exactly what was needed. I think it’s been a happy coincidence, very welcome. During this winter the number of tests has already been reduced and this trend will probably continue during the season, we’re still talking about that. This is not going to cause a problem for the next two years. Everybody expects there to be more of a show with this rule change, but I don’t believe things will change that much, as the strongest riders will keep racing competitively and the others will lag behind. With or without single tyre, the list of the candidates for victory won’t change, but it is a welcome solution considering the present economic situation. This will end all discussions on tyre differences. All the riders will be on an equal footing and, in this respect, it will be interesting.
Do you think the new tyre rule will produce closer racing, something that hasn’t been seen much for the last couple of years?
This year we saw some very hard-fought races, between riders with the same tyres and with different tyres. The race in Laguna Seca between Stoner and Valentino was great, but in other races Valentino was racing against Lorenzo, who had different tyres, or against Pedrosa. There won’t be a great difference. The top riders will be the same, but at least they will compete on an equal footing, which is good from a sporting and an audience’s point of view. We paid the consequences of the tyre rule in 2007, but it also happened in 2008, when some riders couldn’t fight for victory because they had the wrong tyres. This won’t happen next year, so the championship will be even more hard-fought because all the riders will have the possibility to race competitively.
Do you have any changes in your team’s staff, or the structure of the team for 2009? Will you be changing any working practices in order to keep costs down?
Never change a winning team! In 2009 we will keep on with this team, which is now preparing to challenge for a sixth season. The group is closely-knit and it includes qualified technicians. Nothing is going to change; we’ll face 2009 all together with the same spirit as last season, which turned out to be very successful. There is going to be a change at management level in Yamaha Motor Company as Mr Furusawa, the architect of the successes of these recent years, has been deservedly promoted and his responsibilities will therefore be increased. Mr Kitagawa, General Manager of the Technology Development Division, to which the racing department belongs, has been promoted in his turn and has become President of Yamaha Motor Racing. There was a change at management level, with Mr Hayasaki as the new manager, but nothing will change at the team level or with the engineers working on Valentino’s bike. We’re confident and we all know what we have to do to aim to winning. We’ll have to deal with this economic situation, but we won’t be dramatic and we’ll try to manage our resources at in the best way, with regards to logistics, business travel, and all those elements not directly affecting performance, the technical development and the on-track bike performance. We’ll try to do reasonable things, but on the race-track we want to be at our best in order to aim at winning again.
Do you think that Yamaha has built a bike which will enable you to be competitive from the very first race this year?
Good question, we’ll find this out at the first race. In 2008, when we won everything: the Constructors’ title, the Riders’ title, the Teams’ title, it provoked a great motivation and reaction from rival riders and factories and they must have all started working to produce a bike capable of beating us. We’ll do the same. This is the nice thing about motor racing: during the winter there is a lot of talk, because this or that rider is faster on this or that occasion, the fans and the journalists start passing judgements and making forecasts. Then, the facts disprove many of them and this is the most interesting part of our job. We haven’t changed much with our bike, but we have made improvements in important sectors, trying to keep the level of competitiveness high. We’ll see this at the first races and we hope that our bike will be up to the job. I believe it will be.
What is your feeling about Valentino’s request to reduce rider aids? Do you think this would help to make the racing more exciting?
Valentino has “suffered” as a result of the changes that have arisen since technology has progressed, more electronics are used and rider aids have been introduced. On the one hand aids are very useful for safety reasons and research, especially with regards to the production bike. These aids will affect production and therefore our customers, so research in this field is welcomed. However, from a sporting and performance point of view, this is an aid to the riders. This means that the difference Valentino can make due to his talent and experience has been reduced. This is why it was important to win in 2008, to show that, despite all, he was still the greatest rider. Sometimes Valentino has expressed the desire to reduce the rider aids, in order to allow the rider’s talent and ability to be properly appreciated. This is justifiable from the rider’s point of view. From a sporting and sentimental point of view I’d also like to see less aids and the riders relying exclusively on their talent. Thinking about our customers however, who will ride the bikes on the street, research and aid development are the right things to do. It would be great to be able to find a compromise for the situation, but in any case I believe the races will still be very spectacular, more so than ever next year with many riders fighting for victory. Ultimately it is always the best that are leading.
What was your feeling about Valentino’s request to take part in the Qatar World Superbike round? Do you think he would have been capable of winning?
We were very excited at the idea of riding in a Superbike race. Valentino influenced us with his desire for new challenges and experiences. The idea of going to Qatar and racing in Superbike was very exciting. We’d have done it with great respect and with the idea to have fun, this was our attitude. Valentino belongs to the MotoGP Championship, but he would have tried Superbike just to test himself against those riders, whom he always follows them because they, too, are very good. Unfortunately this wasn’t possible because Yamaha is working on the new R1 motorbike, and there are not many spare parts available yet. Setting up the bike for Valentino Rossi was technically impossible. Furthermore, because he is Valentino Rossi, we wanted to do things well and eventually we had to come to the conslusion that this wasn’t going to be possible. Valentino was very sad when we had to cancel this experience, but we might consider it again in the future. I believe he could be competitive, but we didn’t intend to win the race. We’d have gone with the idea of doing our best to see what level we could reach in one race. It would have been interesting, like a challenge of the past. I hope we consider it again in the future, I will keep dreaming of it.
Davide, this will be your 6th year working with Valentino at Yamaha. Do you still have as much excitement and motivation as you did in 2004, when he first joined you?
Yes, absolutely. This is the 6th season, but each one is different. The first was the one of the biggest challenges, but we won two titles before we faced some difficulties. The 2008 season represented an opportunity for redemption for us and we won. We have always set ourselves new challenges. Working with Valentino is very demanding, because we always want to do better and everybody’s attention is on us, but we are always spurred on by this positive pressure. The new season is already bringing us great excitement.
Your role in the Team was different in 2008 to previous years, because you were working only with Valentino. Were you happy in this revised role, and will anything change in this year?
My work was different in 2008 because in the past I had always had to take care of two riders. This time I could focus on just one rider and this had many advantages, because Valentino Rossi could have a whole team working just for him. I was happy that I could dedicate my time exclusively to Valentino, because we have a great relationship, working with him is always fun, but above all it is professionally rewarding. It was a positive season, as the results we achieved showed.
Valentino won 9 races last year, every possible title, and broke many more records. Obviously your target is to repeat that again this year, but what are your specific aims for the team? Do you think you can be even more successful in 2009, or will it be harder this year?
Certainly next year will be more difficult, partly because in 2008, after two hard years, we were not among the favourites. Maybe some people thought that it was the beginning of Valentino’s decline from a competitive point of view. Instead we managed to have a great, redeeming season, so now everybody is waiting for us, especially our rivals. This is normal; when you don’t win, you become more hard-bitten. This year Stoner will be more motivated and aggressive, as will his team. Pedrosa will try to do well and also Lorenzo, after his debut, will want to profit from his experience. It’ll be hard, everybody is lying in wait for us. But this challenge is the good thing about sport, so we accept it and look forward to seeing whether Valentino will manage to hold these kids off!
Do you think that Jorge Lorenzo will be challenging Valentino for the title? And how do you think this will affect the atmosphere inside the garage and the working relationship between the two teams?
I think the atmosphere in the garage will remain the same as in 2008; there was a separation and this helped, because Lorenzo will be one of the toughest adversaries in the challenge for the title. He showed this last year although he committed a few errors due to slight inexperience besides some unlucky falls. He’s certainly thinking about his 2008 mistakes this winter and he’ll try not to repeat them; he will be one of the toughest rivals, but we already knew this. He is very motivated. For him and for the other riders beating Valentino Rossi is an achievement, so we’ll have to put up a defence, or even attack these young riders who are hoping for the recognition they would receive if they managed to beat Valentino Rossi!
The wall in the garage will remain? Can you tell us the reason for this and your opinion about why it is the right thing to do?
There has been a lot of talk about this solution, but now everybody is getting used to it. The dividing wall during 2008 was dictated by the presence of different technical partners, tyre suppliers, causing a divide in the technical structures. But this solution worked well. When two riders fighting for victory are in the same team, there can be some tension between them. This solution lets us manage the situation in the best way, because as they say we have ‘two roosters in the hen house’. Maybe it is better to keep them separatd and let them be at their best during the races. I work only with Valentino Rossi, this is a good solution for him. But it is also good for Yamaha in general, because it allows both leading riders, Valentino and Lorenzo, to express themselves freely, without tensions in their relationship. I think others will follow our example. Even if they don’t have a real wall, sometimes there is an invisible wall and that can be even thicker than ours, which is visible. Other teams are experiencing tensions between their two riders, physically there is no wall between them but in reality it is almost as if there is one.
Which riders, in your opinion, are going to be Valentino’s main title threats?
Looking back at 2008, Stoner is certainly the main rival. Then Pedrosa and Lorenzo, but we must also keep an eye on Dovizioso, who’s joined the official team, has one year of experience behind him and is very constant in his results. We’ll see how Hayden will adapt to the new bike. I expect a very hard-fought championship, with at least these six riders capable of fighting for victory in every race. The consistency in the results that was our winning weapon in 2008, with our victories, will be very important. However the season is going to be very tough and unpredictable, therefore exciting from this point of view.
What do you think about Kawasaki leaving the championship? Do you think that the FIM should be considering rule changes in order to reduce costs? What would you suggest?
The economic crisis, which is affecting all sectors of business worldwide, has made no exception for motor racing. Some companies are facing difficulties, although I think Kawasaki were also pressured into retirement due to a lack of results. With more success and chalenge for victories they might have postponed their withdrawal or even stayed. However, this situation requires action. All the manufacturers are planning cost-saving solutions and I hope the FIM might take up an active role again, as we are all asking them to do, because maybe in recent years the commercial aspects of the sport have received too much attention compared to the technical ones. This is the right moment for the FIM to do more, it’s the moment for reconsidering the rules. Cost-cutting is the priority, however I don’t think anybody should panic. Some things should be changed and costs reduced and resources need to be managed well for the next two years. Also to think of how motorcycling will be in the next years is important, because this sport will go on. The crisis will finish, we must be positive and try to survive like everybody else, but also try to lay the bases for an even better future for this sport. Many suggestions can be made: carbon fibre disks could be eliminated, practice times reduced, thus diminishing the wear of engine and tyres. There are many possible solutions, the engineers will choose which changes will allow them to save the most. We’ll all have to make an effort together. Yamaha will do its part, as it is right. Survival is our main aim, and managing resources well, but we must also think of how to improve this sport in the future.
What’s your opinion about the new tyre rule? How will it change the working system in you garage?
The mono tyre rule gave rise to a great deal of discussion, but it came at the right moment. As a consequence there has been a reduction in testing, which is exactly what was needed. I think it’s been a happy coincidence, very welcome. During this winter the number of tests has already been reduced and this trend will probably continue during the season, we’re still talking about that. This is not going to cause a problem for the next two years. Everybody expects there to be more of a show with this rule change, but I don’t believe things will change that much, as the strongest riders will keep racing competitively and the others will lag behind. With or without single tyre, the list of the candidates for victory won’t change, but it is a welcome solution considering the present economic situation. This will end all discussions on tyre differences. All the riders will be on an equal footing and, in this respect, it will be interesting.
Do you think the new tyre rule will produce closer racing, something that hasn’t been seen much for the last couple of years?
This year we saw some very hard-fought races, between riders with the same tyres and with different tyres. The race in Laguna Seca between Stoner and Valentino was great, but in other races Valentino was racing against Lorenzo, who had different tyres, or against Pedrosa. There won’t be a great difference. The top riders will be the same, but at least they will compete on an equal footing, which is good from a sporting and an audience’s point of view. We paid the consequences of the tyre rule in 2007, but it also happened in 2008, when some riders couldn’t fight for victory because they had the wrong tyres. This won’t happen next year, so the championship will be even more hard-fought because all the riders will have the possibility to race competitively.
Do you have any changes in your team’s staff, or the structure of the team for 2009? Will you be changing any working practices in order to keep costs down?
Never change a winning team! In 2009 we will keep on with this team, which is now preparing to challenge for a sixth season. The group is closely-knit and it includes qualified technicians. Nothing is going to change; we’ll face 2009 all together with the same spirit as last season, which turned out to be very successful. There is going to be a change at management level in Yamaha Motor Company as Mr Furusawa, the architect of the successes of these recent years, has been deservedly promoted and his responsibilities will therefore be increased. Mr Kitagawa, General Manager of the Technology Development Division, to which the racing department belongs, has been promoted in his turn and has become President of Yamaha Motor Racing. There was a change at management level, with Mr Hayasaki as the new manager, but nothing will change at the team level or with the engineers working on Valentino’s bike. We’re confident and we all know what we have to do to aim to winning. We’ll have to deal with this economic situation, but we won’t be dramatic and we’ll try to manage our resources at in the best way, with regards to logistics, business travel, and all those elements not directly affecting performance, the technical development and the on-track bike performance. We’ll try to do reasonable things, but on the race-track we want to be at our best in order to aim at winning again.
Do you think that Yamaha has built a bike which will enable you to be competitive from the very first race this year?
Good question, we’ll find this out at the first race. In 2008, when we won everything: the Constructors’ title, the Riders’ title, the Teams’ title, it provoked a great motivation and reaction from rival riders and factories and they must have all started working to produce a bike capable of beating us. We’ll do the same. This is the nice thing about motor racing: during the winter there is a lot of talk, because this or that rider is faster on this or that occasion, the fans and the journalists start passing judgements and making forecasts. Then, the facts disprove many of them and this is the most interesting part of our job. We haven’t changed much with our bike, but we have made improvements in important sectors, trying to keep the level of competitiveness high. We’ll see this at the first races and we hope that our bike will be up to the job. I believe it will be.
What is your feeling about Valentino’s request to reduce rider aids? Do you think this would help to make the racing more exciting?
Valentino has “suffered” as a result of the changes that have arisen since technology has progressed, more electronics are used and rider aids have been introduced. On the one hand aids are very useful for safety reasons and research, especially with regards to the production bike. These aids will affect production and therefore our customers, so research in this field is welcomed. However, from a sporting and performance point of view, this is an aid to the riders. This means that the difference Valentino can make due to his talent and experience has been reduced. This is why it was important to win in 2008, to show that, despite all, he was still the greatest rider. Sometimes Valentino has expressed the desire to reduce the rider aids, in order to allow the rider’s talent and ability to be properly appreciated. This is justifiable from the rider’s point of view. From a sporting and sentimental point of view I’d also like to see less aids and the riders relying exclusively on their talent. Thinking about our customers however, who will ride the bikes on the street, research and aid development are the right things to do. It would be great to be able to find a compromise for the situation, but in any case I believe the races will still be very spectacular, more so than ever next year with many riders fighting for victory. Ultimately it is always the best that are leading.
What was your feeling about Valentino’s request to take part in the Qatar World Superbike round? Do you think he would have been capable of winning?
We were very excited at the idea of riding in a Superbike race. Valentino influenced us with his desire for new challenges and experiences. The idea of going to Qatar and racing in Superbike was very exciting. We’d have done it with great respect and with the idea to have fun, this was our attitude. Valentino belongs to the MotoGP Championship, but he would have tried Superbike just to test himself against those riders, whom he always follows them because they, too, are very good. Unfortunately this wasn’t possible because Yamaha is working on the new R1 motorbike, and there are not many spare parts available yet. Setting up the bike for Valentino Rossi was technically impossible. Furthermore, because he is Valentino Rossi, we wanted to do things well and eventually we had to come to the conslusion that this wasn’t going to be possible. Valentino was very sad when we had to cancel this experience, but we might consider it again in the future. I believe he could be competitive, but we didn’t intend to win the race. We’d have gone with the idea of doing our best to see what level we could reach in one race. It would have been interesting, like a challenge of the past. I hope we consider it again in the future, I will keep dreaming of it.
Axxexs
Ordinary man doing extraordinary things
- Gick med
- 11 Dec 2003
- Ort
- Verkstan
- Hoj
- Technical Sports Racing AC28-M Prototype powered by Honda Racing Corporation
Jorge Lorenzo interview
Jorge, how was your winter holiday? What have you been doing in your time off?
At the end of the year I went to Mallorca. I was there for practically a week visiting my family, my sister and my mother. I had fun with friends and took some time to rest a little because it had been a really tough year, very stressful, with a lot of back-to-back races so it was good to relax and disconnect a little. Since the end of the year I’ve been in Barcelona, training a lot, training on a motorcycle and in the gym.
Did your injuries from 2008 finally completely heal? Are all parts of your body back to 100% fitness?
They’re not 100% because I’m still missing a little mobility in my ankles, especially in the left one, but little by little they are clearing up. Many months have passed since the crashes and right now the problems I had with my forearms and my ankles, thanks to the specialists who I am lucky enough to have, the situation is gradually improving and I think that I will be if not 100% then around 95 or 97% before the start of the season.
After having some time to think about it, how are your memories of 2008? You had many pole positions, podiums, your win, but also your crashes and injuries…
Yes, it has been a ‘special’ season because it was my first in this category but also because of the things that happened to me, the good and bad moments we have encountered and the experience I have picked up, which has been very fruitful and will be fruitful in the future. But yes, it has been a strange year with lots of ups and downs, a lot of crashes – too many because normally I’m not the kind of rider who crashes a lot – but also great moments like the pole positions, the podiums and especially the victory at Estoril.
If you could repeat your rookie year would you do anything differently?
No, I don’t tend to regret the past and I think I have been quite lucky in my life – apart from the injuries I have had. I have had setbacks but otherwise I’m a lucky guy, a guy who things have gone well for so far so I can’t regret things from my past.
What are your expectations and aims for 2009? Do you believe you can challenge for the title from the start?
It is difficult. It is very difficult, firstly because I don’t have the experience to fight for the title. I think that right now there are riders with more experience. Above all there is a great champion in the shape of Valentino Rossi, who I have in the box next to me, and in theory he is the favourite. Not only that, I have three riders who in principal are more of a favourite than I am so the most important thing is that we get closer to our objective every season, become faster and learn more. But I don’t think I am the favourite for the title.
Do you feel that there is much more pressure on you this year? Are you worried about people’s high expectations?
I think that people have higher expectations for the results of Pedrosa, Stoner and Valentino. Yes, it is true that I started the year really well, with a victory in the third race of my first season. I started very strongly but that doesn’t mean to say that the same will happen every time and that every season is going to start out the same for me. Things change and every year is different. For example this year we have new rules and things could be different. I am currently working very hard so that one day I can become World Champion, which is my objective. I don’t know if I will achieve it next year, within two years or within five but that is the objective.
You haven’t had the chance to try the full prototype bike yet. Will you have it in Sepang and what are you hoping for from it?
I had the opportunity to try the 2009 prototype at Jerez. The only thing that wasn’t there was the new engine, which I will have for Sepang. The truth is that in terms of handling and in terms of the chassis it seems like the bike has a bit more stability, or let’s say that there is less movement on the front end of the bike. The bike tended to wheelie less on the way out of corners although obviously I have not had chance yet to test the new engine, which they say is going to be the biggest change with respect to this season.
The wall is staying in your garage. Was this your request? Why do you want it to stay?
Well the decision to keep the wall was made by Yamaha and I don’t have much to say about it. As far as I am concerned it is fine like that, there’s no problem and we will continue to be a team with a wall!
Apart from yourself and Valentino, who do you think will be the main title challengers in 2009?
Well, in sport and in particular in motorcycling you never know what can happen and every season new riders who are keen to win arrive on the scene and surprise a lot of people. So I don’t like getting involved in discussing favourites in that way but obviously if I had to choose three ‘favourites’ I would go for the top three in the championship last year, which was Valentino, Stoner and Pedrosa.
What do you think about the MotoGP crisis and the departure of Kawasaki? Are you worried about the number of bikes on the grid? What do you think needs to be changed in order to try to increase it?
Well it is evident that this is a global economic crisis and it has also affected the world of motorcycle racing, albeit on a smaller scale to, for example, other sports. But I do think we are going through difficult times. Luckily I am personally in a good period at the moment. I just won the Rookie of the Year title so in terms of sponsorship and things I am not in a bad position. The only thing is that I am worried because motorcycle racing is a very spectacular sport and I think Dorna have done a great job, but it could still be exploited a little more and the show that motorcycle racing can offer could be broadened.
After two tests what is your opinion about the new Bridgestone tyres? Do you like them and did you find them easy to adapt to?
I like them a lot, especially Bridgestone’s front tyre, which they have achieved over several years of hard work. It is a factory with a lot of hunger and in the end they were able to dethrone a giant, which is what Michelin were, even though I don’t know what would have happened if the championship had stayed the same. What is clear is that Bridgestone is an impressive company and right now they have control in the championship. As far as rider feedback from the tyres is concerned, they are really good, especially under braking as I said, you can brake very, very late.
What’s your opinion about the new ‘monotyre’ rule? Do you think it’s going to improve the racing or not?
Well, it is definitely not the ideal solution because it is always better to have more companies involved in the championship but the fact is that it is impossible to establish a consistently level playing field over the course of the season. There was a lot of difference from race to race. Sometimes Michelin were better, sometimes Bridgestone… in the end it tended to be Bridgestone so I think the only option Dorna could see, and I am in agreement, was to cut their losses and make a championship with just one brand of tyres.
You have a new number. Please, tell us why you changed from 48 and why you have chosen the number 99.
Let’s say that at the end of September was the end of an era for me and the start of a new one. So, what better way to start than with a new number? It is a little bit sad because 48 has really meant a lot to me. I have achieved big things and enjoyed some great moments with that number on the front of my bike but, like I say, this is the start of a new era and the number 99 will be present throughout it.
You also have new management. How is it working out with them? Are you happy and do you feel they will help you to fully concentrate on racing?
I’m really happy with the people I have around me at the moment. Obviously when a person makes a change they are always trying to make things go better than they had done previously. It doesn’t always turn out to be the case, you don’t always achieve it but in principal I made a change so that things would go better for me and so that I would be happier at the races. Well, at the races and away from them, and at the moment I am really enjoying myself. I am playing football, going to martial arts classes… I’m doing lots of things that I couldn’t do before and maybe for that reason I’m a little happier and that should be reflected on the racetrack. But we won’t find out until the first race.
Jorge, how was your winter holiday? What have you been doing in your time off?
At the end of the year I went to Mallorca. I was there for practically a week visiting my family, my sister and my mother. I had fun with friends and took some time to rest a little because it had been a really tough year, very stressful, with a lot of back-to-back races so it was good to relax and disconnect a little. Since the end of the year I’ve been in Barcelona, training a lot, training on a motorcycle and in the gym.
Did your injuries from 2008 finally completely heal? Are all parts of your body back to 100% fitness?
They’re not 100% because I’m still missing a little mobility in my ankles, especially in the left one, but little by little they are clearing up. Many months have passed since the crashes and right now the problems I had with my forearms and my ankles, thanks to the specialists who I am lucky enough to have, the situation is gradually improving and I think that I will be if not 100% then around 95 or 97% before the start of the season.
After having some time to think about it, how are your memories of 2008? You had many pole positions, podiums, your win, but also your crashes and injuries…
Yes, it has been a ‘special’ season because it was my first in this category but also because of the things that happened to me, the good and bad moments we have encountered and the experience I have picked up, which has been very fruitful and will be fruitful in the future. But yes, it has been a strange year with lots of ups and downs, a lot of crashes – too many because normally I’m not the kind of rider who crashes a lot – but also great moments like the pole positions, the podiums and especially the victory at Estoril.
If you could repeat your rookie year would you do anything differently?
No, I don’t tend to regret the past and I think I have been quite lucky in my life – apart from the injuries I have had. I have had setbacks but otherwise I’m a lucky guy, a guy who things have gone well for so far so I can’t regret things from my past.
What are your expectations and aims for 2009? Do you believe you can challenge for the title from the start?
It is difficult. It is very difficult, firstly because I don’t have the experience to fight for the title. I think that right now there are riders with more experience. Above all there is a great champion in the shape of Valentino Rossi, who I have in the box next to me, and in theory he is the favourite. Not only that, I have three riders who in principal are more of a favourite than I am so the most important thing is that we get closer to our objective every season, become faster and learn more. But I don’t think I am the favourite for the title.
Do you feel that there is much more pressure on you this year? Are you worried about people’s high expectations?
I think that people have higher expectations for the results of Pedrosa, Stoner and Valentino. Yes, it is true that I started the year really well, with a victory in the third race of my first season. I started very strongly but that doesn’t mean to say that the same will happen every time and that every season is going to start out the same for me. Things change and every year is different. For example this year we have new rules and things could be different. I am currently working very hard so that one day I can become World Champion, which is my objective. I don’t know if I will achieve it next year, within two years or within five but that is the objective.
You haven’t had the chance to try the full prototype bike yet. Will you have it in Sepang and what are you hoping for from it?
I had the opportunity to try the 2009 prototype at Jerez. The only thing that wasn’t there was the new engine, which I will have for Sepang. The truth is that in terms of handling and in terms of the chassis it seems like the bike has a bit more stability, or let’s say that there is less movement on the front end of the bike. The bike tended to wheelie less on the way out of corners although obviously I have not had chance yet to test the new engine, which they say is going to be the biggest change with respect to this season.
The wall is staying in your garage. Was this your request? Why do you want it to stay?
Well the decision to keep the wall was made by Yamaha and I don’t have much to say about it. As far as I am concerned it is fine like that, there’s no problem and we will continue to be a team with a wall!
Apart from yourself and Valentino, who do you think will be the main title challengers in 2009?
Well, in sport and in particular in motorcycling you never know what can happen and every season new riders who are keen to win arrive on the scene and surprise a lot of people. So I don’t like getting involved in discussing favourites in that way but obviously if I had to choose three ‘favourites’ I would go for the top three in the championship last year, which was Valentino, Stoner and Pedrosa.
What do you think about the MotoGP crisis and the departure of Kawasaki? Are you worried about the number of bikes on the grid? What do you think needs to be changed in order to try to increase it?
Well it is evident that this is a global economic crisis and it has also affected the world of motorcycle racing, albeit on a smaller scale to, for example, other sports. But I do think we are going through difficult times. Luckily I am personally in a good period at the moment. I just won the Rookie of the Year title so in terms of sponsorship and things I am not in a bad position. The only thing is that I am worried because motorcycle racing is a very spectacular sport and I think Dorna have done a great job, but it could still be exploited a little more and the show that motorcycle racing can offer could be broadened.
After two tests what is your opinion about the new Bridgestone tyres? Do you like them and did you find them easy to adapt to?
I like them a lot, especially Bridgestone’s front tyre, which they have achieved over several years of hard work. It is a factory with a lot of hunger and in the end they were able to dethrone a giant, which is what Michelin were, even though I don’t know what would have happened if the championship had stayed the same. What is clear is that Bridgestone is an impressive company and right now they have control in the championship. As far as rider feedback from the tyres is concerned, they are really good, especially under braking as I said, you can brake very, very late.
What’s your opinion about the new ‘monotyre’ rule? Do you think it’s going to improve the racing or not?
Well, it is definitely not the ideal solution because it is always better to have more companies involved in the championship but the fact is that it is impossible to establish a consistently level playing field over the course of the season. There was a lot of difference from race to race. Sometimes Michelin were better, sometimes Bridgestone… in the end it tended to be Bridgestone so I think the only option Dorna could see, and I am in agreement, was to cut their losses and make a championship with just one brand of tyres.
You have a new number. Please, tell us why you changed from 48 and why you have chosen the number 99.
Let’s say that at the end of September was the end of an era for me and the start of a new one. So, what better way to start than with a new number? It is a little bit sad because 48 has really meant a lot to me. I have achieved big things and enjoyed some great moments with that number on the front of my bike but, like I say, this is the start of a new era and the number 99 will be present throughout it.
You also have new management. How is it working out with them? Are you happy and do you feel they will help you to fully concentrate on racing?
I’m really happy with the people I have around me at the moment. Obviously when a person makes a change they are always trying to make things go better than they had done previously. It doesn’t always turn out to be the case, you don’t always achieve it but in principal I made a change so that things would go better for me and so that I would be happier at the races. Well, at the races and away from them, and at the moment I am really enjoying myself. I am playing football, going to martial arts classes… I’m doing lots of things that I couldn’t do before and maybe for that reason I’m a little happier and that should be reflected on the racetrack. But we won’t find out until the first race.
Axxexs
Ordinary man doing extraordinary things
- Gick med
- 11 Dec 2003
- Ort
- Verkstan
- Hoj
- Technical Sports Racing AC28-M Prototype powered by Honda Racing Corporation
Daniele Romagnoli interview
Daniele, Jorge had an outstanding 2008 in many ways, but at times it was also very painful. In hindsight, do you think he or the team could have done anything differently and better?
In 2008, Jorge should have thought more about the lessons learnt from MotoGP than the actual results. Unfortunately, the first three good races he did and the good results he achieved made him feel under pressure and this lead to him to making mistakes. That was what jeopardised his season a bit in the middle of the championship. Then things started to work better, but this year we should avoid making mistakes. Nevertheless, he had a good championship as a rookie. He was the best among rookies and he did better than anyone else in the past as well.
What are you aims and expectations for Jorge in 2009?
In 2009, we aim t improve on the excellent result achieved in 2008. Doing so means hard work and a high level of concentration. Moreover, achieving good results regularly will be crucial, whilst at the same time avoiding overdoing things and being satisfied with a good result. If you shoot for the stars you can achieve an excellent position among the first three. We should avoid getting zero points, because this would have very negative consequences and reduce our possibilities very much.
Do you think there is much more pressure on Jorge to be consistent in 2009?
Jorge will certainly have more pressure this year. Due to the excellent season he did, he’ll have to show he’s improved. It’ll be crucial for him to better manage official practices and races. Sometimes during official practices he felt under pressure from the beginning, wanting to ride fast from the outset and this led to errors. Anyway, the experience he gained during last season strengthened him and he’ll handle pressure much better this year.
Do you think Jorge is capable of winning and being on the podium consistently in 2009? And do you think he can challenge for the title?
This year Jorge could win some races and achieve a number of podium finishes, as he showed last year. It won’t be easy to do so in every race. The championship will be challenging this year. It’s too early now to say he’ll win the title, but he has the ability to challenge for it.
Do you expect there to be any problems within the team if Jorge is challenging Valentino for the championship? How do you think this will affect the atmosphere inside the garage and the working relationship between the two teams?
I’d like to see Jorge and Valentino challenging for the championship. This would mean that Jorge has improved a lot, and at the same time that our bike, the Yamaha, is the most competitive and this would be great. I hope for it. I think there will be no problem within the team. We’ve known each other for a long time, the team work has always been excellent and this rivalry will only boost the desire both teams have to beat the other one. It’ll be positive.
The wall in the garage will remain. Can you tell us the reason for this and your opinion about why it is the right thing to do?
The wall was built last year for a technical reason: avoiding the exchange of data between the two sides, because of the two different tyre manufacturers. The wall was good because this enabled each rider to have his own working team. The rider and the team together can focus on their own problems and adjustments without looking at the other side. It worked well in 2008, so why not carry on with it as we have two strong riders in our team?
Which riders, in your opinion, are going to be Jorge’s main threats this year?
The best rider is Valentino Rossi. In 2008 he showed himself to be very strong and unique, both physically and mentally. He’ll be the leading rider. Also Casey was strong, he’ll be stronger having learnt from his 2008 errors and he’ll be very aggressive. They’ll be Jorge’s main threats.
Have you given Jorge any advice in order to avoid some of the problems he had last year?
Jorge needs to modify his working method, as he did during the season. He has to avoid getting too close to the limit at the beginning of official practices, as happened when he fell in China and Barcelona. Firstly, setting the bike up is crucial. When this is done and the conditions of the racetrack will be better, it’ll be easier to get gradually closer to the limit. Overdoing things before the bike is ready needs to be avoided. Last year’s experiences were important, even if they were negative to some extent. He’s improved a lot, even mentally. This year I’ll insist on this direction, hopefully he’ll manage to reach the bike’s limit gradually during the official practices.
What do you think about Kawasaki leaving the championship? Do you think the FIM should be considering rule changes in order to reduce costs? What would you suggest?
The withdrawal of Kawasaki represents a great loss both for the MotoGP and for sport in general. They’re not the first, other teams in other motor sports have left racing. It’s the time for those involved in this sport to think. I’d suggest to the FIM first of all to reduce winter tests; I’d eliminate the Jerez test in November. Or in March, I’d switch the Jerez test with Doha, and have Doha as the last test before the first GP race, thus having the Doha test and Doha GP one after the other. Logistically, this would lead to a reduction of costs, as the equipment would be already in the same place. The technical aspects require some intervention as well. The most expensive part of the bike is the engine, both in terms of cost of components and of the research involved. I’d suggest to drastically reduce the maximum engine revolution, for example to 16,000 revolutions. This would increase the engine life and would also allow the same engine to be re-used in different GPs, in two or three races. In decreasing engine revolution we could also use cheaper materials as well it being cheaper to manufacture. With regards to electronics, I’d use only one ECU and drastically reduce the use of expensive and complex sensors on the bike, such as inertial platforms and GPS. We could then use simpler electronic devices, as in the first years of MotoGP, thus eliminating some of the bike aid and control systems. I would also recommend to bring back the use of steel brakes, that would help to save money. I don’t think these changes would make the championship any less spectacular. As a matter of fact, it could lead to even have more surprises!
What’s your opinion about the new tyre rule? How will it change the working system in your garage?
I’ve always been positive about maintaining two different tyre manufacturers, increasing the competition between them. During the first test with Jorge, I expected to have some difficulties in adapting to the tyres. In fact, there were no problems and the rider is happy. The working method in our garage will change because priorities are different. Having just two compounds, the work on tyres will be reduced, compared to last year. However, it’ll be fundamental to work on the set up of the bike chassis. I think this will make the difference in next season.
Do you think the new tyre rule will produce close racing, something that hasn’t been seen much for last couple of years?
No, I don’t think the mono tyre rule will produce more hard-fought races. The winter tests showed that the best riders are still in the same position. This year there won’t be such races as there were in Laguna Seca or Brno, where some top class riders were unable to compete as a result of problems with tyres.
Do you have any changes in your team staff or the structure of the team for 2009?
Will you be changing any working practices in order to keep costs down? No, the team will remain the same because it worked very well during the last season and there’s no reason to change. Regarding the organisation and work on practice sessions, I don’t think it will be possible to get rid of any of them. We’ll use all the time we have. Many times we’ve used the Sunday warm-up to find successful solutions aimed at improving the bike performance.
Jorge hasn’t had the chance to test the full prototype bike yet, but what is your opinion so far of the new parts you have tested and from what you have seen Valentino testing?
In 2008 the bike was successful, so there was no reason to change the concept and the new bike is very similar to the previous one. Changing to Bridgestone tyres during the season, it became clear that the adjustments required were different from the previous set up. So, the new bike can have a wider range of adjustments. This allowed us, during the latest tests, to try different geometries, which improved acceleration after corners because we managed to increase the contact of the front tyre with the ground. We’ve also worked on engine management controls and maps, which enhance acceleration; our riders can open the throttle a few metres earlier. Valentino also worked on the engine and noticed an improvement in acceleration, and he said we are working in the right direction. So, we’ve just got to wait for the Sepang test with Jorge to have the whole package. This year the Japanese and Yamaha will surprise again. We’re confident the bike will be equally competitive in 2009.
Daniele, Jorge had an outstanding 2008 in many ways, but at times it was also very painful. In hindsight, do you think he or the team could have done anything differently and better?
In 2008, Jorge should have thought more about the lessons learnt from MotoGP than the actual results. Unfortunately, the first three good races he did and the good results he achieved made him feel under pressure and this lead to him to making mistakes. That was what jeopardised his season a bit in the middle of the championship. Then things started to work better, but this year we should avoid making mistakes. Nevertheless, he had a good championship as a rookie. He was the best among rookies and he did better than anyone else in the past as well.
What are you aims and expectations for Jorge in 2009?
In 2009, we aim t improve on the excellent result achieved in 2008. Doing so means hard work and a high level of concentration. Moreover, achieving good results regularly will be crucial, whilst at the same time avoiding overdoing things and being satisfied with a good result. If you shoot for the stars you can achieve an excellent position among the first three. We should avoid getting zero points, because this would have very negative consequences and reduce our possibilities very much.
Do you think there is much more pressure on Jorge to be consistent in 2009?
Jorge will certainly have more pressure this year. Due to the excellent season he did, he’ll have to show he’s improved. It’ll be crucial for him to better manage official practices and races. Sometimes during official practices he felt under pressure from the beginning, wanting to ride fast from the outset and this led to errors. Anyway, the experience he gained during last season strengthened him and he’ll handle pressure much better this year.
Do you think Jorge is capable of winning and being on the podium consistently in 2009? And do you think he can challenge for the title?
This year Jorge could win some races and achieve a number of podium finishes, as he showed last year. It won’t be easy to do so in every race. The championship will be challenging this year. It’s too early now to say he’ll win the title, but he has the ability to challenge for it.
Do you expect there to be any problems within the team if Jorge is challenging Valentino for the championship? How do you think this will affect the atmosphere inside the garage and the working relationship between the two teams?
I’d like to see Jorge and Valentino challenging for the championship. This would mean that Jorge has improved a lot, and at the same time that our bike, the Yamaha, is the most competitive and this would be great. I hope for it. I think there will be no problem within the team. We’ve known each other for a long time, the team work has always been excellent and this rivalry will only boost the desire both teams have to beat the other one. It’ll be positive.
The wall in the garage will remain. Can you tell us the reason for this and your opinion about why it is the right thing to do?
The wall was built last year for a technical reason: avoiding the exchange of data between the two sides, because of the two different tyre manufacturers. The wall was good because this enabled each rider to have his own working team. The rider and the team together can focus on their own problems and adjustments without looking at the other side. It worked well in 2008, so why not carry on with it as we have two strong riders in our team?
Which riders, in your opinion, are going to be Jorge’s main threats this year?
The best rider is Valentino Rossi. In 2008 he showed himself to be very strong and unique, both physically and mentally. He’ll be the leading rider. Also Casey was strong, he’ll be stronger having learnt from his 2008 errors and he’ll be very aggressive. They’ll be Jorge’s main threats.
Have you given Jorge any advice in order to avoid some of the problems he had last year?
Jorge needs to modify his working method, as he did during the season. He has to avoid getting too close to the limit at the beginning of official practices, as happened when he fell in China and Barcelona. Firstly, setting the bike up is crucial. When this is done and the conditions of the racetrack will be better, it’ll be easier to get gradually closer to the limit. Overdoing things before the bike is ready needs to be avoided. Last year’s experiences were important, even if they were negative to some extent. He’s improved a lot, even mentally. This year I’ll insist on this direction, hopefully he’ll manage to reach the bike’s limit gradually during the official practices.
What do you think about Kawasaki leaving the championship? Do you think the FIM should be considering rule changes in order to reduce costs? What would you suggest?
The withdrawal of Kawasaki represents a great loss both for the MotoGP and for sport in general. They’re not the first, other teams in other motor sports have left racing. It’s the time for those involved in this sport to think. I’d suggest to the FIM first of all to reduce winter tests; I’d eliminate the Jerez test in November. Or in March, I’d switch the Jerez test with Doha, and have Doha as the last test before the first GP race, thus having the Doha test and Doha GP one after the other. Logistically, this would lead to a reduction of costs, as the equipment would be already in the same place. The technical aspects require some intervention as well. The most expensive part of the bike is the engine, both in terms of cost of components and of the research involved. I’d suggest to drastically reduce the maximum engine revolution, for example to 16,000 revolutions. This would increase the engine life and would also allow the same engine to be re-used in different GPs, in two or three races. In decreasing engine revolution we could also use cheaper materials as well it being cheaper to manufacture. With regards to electronics, I’d use only one ECU and drastically reduce the use of expensive and complex sensors on the bike, such as inertial platforms and GPS. We could then use simpler electronic devices, as in the first years of MotoGP, thus eliminating some of the bike aid and control systems. I would also recommend to bring back the use of steel brakes, that would help to save money. I don’t think these changes would make the championship any less spectacular. As a matter of fact, it could lead to even have more surprises!
What’s your opinion about the new tyre rule? How will it change the working system in your garage?
I’ve always been positive about maintaining two different tyre manufacturers, increasing the competition between them. During the first test with Jorge, I expected to have some difficulties in adapting to the tyres. In fact, there were no problems and the rider is happy. The working method in our garage will change because priorities are different. Having just two compounds, the work on tyres will be reduced, compared to last year. However, it’ll be fundamental to work on the set up of the bike chassis. I think this will make the difference in next season.
Do you think the new tyre rule will produce close racing, something that hasn’t been seen much for last couple of years?
No, I don’t think the mono tyre rule will produce more hard-fought races. The winter tests showed that the best riders are still in the same position. This year there won’t be such races as there were in Laguna Seca or Brno, where some top class riders were unable to compete as a result of problems with tyres.
Do you have any changes in your team staff or the structure of the team for 2009?
Will you be changing any working practices in order to keep costs down? No, the team will remain the same because it worked very well during the last season and there’s no reason to change. Regarding the organisation and work on practice sessions, I don’t think it will be possible to get rid of any of them. We’ll use all the time we have. Many times we’ve used the Sunday warm-up to find successful solutions aimed at improving the bike performance.
Jorge hasn’t had the chance to test the full prototype bike yet, but what is your opinion so far of the new parts you have tested and from what you have seen Valentino testing?
In 2008 the bike was successful, so there was no reason to change the concept and the new bike is very similar to the previous one. Changing to Bridgestone tyres during the season, it became clear that the adjustments required were different from the previous set up. So, the new bike can have a wider range of adjustments. This allowed us, during the latest tests, to try different geometries, which improved acceleration after corners because we managed to increase the contact of the front tyre with the ground. We’ve also worked on engine management controls and maps, which enhance acceleration; our riders can open the throttle a few metres earlier. Valentino also worked on the engine and noticed an improvement in acceleration, and he said we are working in the right direction. So, we’ve just got to wait for the Sepang test with Jorge to have the whole package. This year the Japanese and Yamaha will surprise again. We’re confident the bike will be equally competitive in 2009.
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