In the world of motorcycling, there is often a tendency to attribute a manufacturer’s advances or difficulties to the quality of its riders. While some are considered excellent developers, others are accused of leading engineers astray. But what is the real impact of a MotoGP rider on a motorcycle’s technical evolution?
Joan Mir, world champion of 2020 with Suzuki, has experienced various stages alongside Honda, where he has tested multiple updates. Mir emphasizes that his role is to provide precise feedback, leaving engineering solutions to the motorcycle design team.
“Normally, every rider wants to go faster,” explains Mir. “We can describe what we feel on the bike, but we are not engineers. Maybe some think they are, but that’s not the case.”
The Fundamental Role of Engineers
Nicolas Goyon, team manager at Tech3, has a long history in data analysis and as a chief mechanic, allowing him to closely observe the evaluation process of new components. Goyon acknowledges that, despite the importance of the riders, it is the engineers who design the updates and develop the bikes.
“The engineers are responsible for creating improvements and developing the bike,” states Goyon. “The rider’s role is fundamental, as they decide which parts will be used in the race, but it is the engineers’ creativity that determines if a bike is competitive.”
Essential Feedback
This does not imply that riders have no influence. When they return to the garage, they explain how the bike behaves and what features they would like to improve, although they rarely suggest concrete technical solutions.
“We can say we want the bike to move more at the back or that we want to improve the feeling at the front,” specifies Mir. “But we cannot ask for a different chassis. That’s the team’s job.”
Example of Valentino Rossi
To illustrate this point, Goyon highlights the well-known story of Valentino Rossi and his transition from Honda to Yamaha. After a disastrous Yamaha season in 2003, Rossi joined the team and immediately won the world championship in 2004. Goyon believes that his influence was more due to his unique riding skill than a radical change in the development of the M1.
“You can’t go from a bad bike to a winning one just because of a rider’s influence,” reflects Goyon. “Rossi brought his speed and knowledge of postures, but the engineers had already found the solutions.”
Changes in Regulation
The development process is particularly important as the new technical regulations of MotoGP for 2027 approach, which will include smaller 850cc engines and new Pirelli tires. Marco De Luca, head of vehicle dynamics at Aprilia, highlights the value of rider feedback in this new scenario.
“A good rider, never before with the new tires, must be very clear about what they want,” indicates De Luca. “The impressions from the riders are very important.”
Collaboration in Development
Goyon emphasizes that riders are key in determining the viability of a design on the track. They are the ones who decide if a particular technical piece really works.
“Data and simulations are essential, but the rider remains the key variable; they inform you about the gains actually achieved,” he explains.
Combination of Sensitivity and Speed
Additionally, Goyon points out that the best development riders are not necessarily the fastest. In the past, it has been noted that Dani Pedrosa was the figure who drove development at Honda thanks to his technical sensitivity.
“After his departure, the bike became increasingly difficult to ride, even for Marc Márquez,” concludes Goyon. “The technical sensitivity of the rider is fundamental in development.”
This perspective explains why there is so much to consider in the motorcycle development process in the world of MotoGP, where the collaboration between riders and engineers is essential for success on the track.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
