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MotoGP Sepang Test – What have we learned? |
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Written by Jeff Feathers
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Monday, 29 January 2007 |
The 2007 MotoGP campaign kicked off this week at a hot and humid Sepang Circuit, and if it was any indication, this year is going to be phenomenal. All the 800 cc bikes were blasting around the Kuala Lumpur Circuit in full glory and for most of the teams this testing serves two purposes. First of all it gives them a chance to gather data for the engineers to aid in bike development and settings. Secondly it gives the riders a chance to learn every intricate detail of their motorcycle. In the super competitive world of MotoGP every advantage counts so factories utilize these early season tests to prepare for the long and grueling season ahead. Electronics, useable power, compliant chassis every piece falls under the careful eye of the engineer, while racers need this intimate knowledge, especially considering the fact that throughout the course of a year rider and bike will spend anywhere from 250-350 hours together. It is not just a bike, it becomes a member of the family. It is not just testing, it is a way for some to show off.
The first official three days of testing in the new year resulted in a few undeniable facts. To some it might seem that as usual the riders were holding their cards to their chest, to others it might look as if they are laying it all out on the table. Either way, the circus heads off to Phillip Island and the season only gets closer.
Fact Number One: John Hopkins is ready.
Always a fast learner, Hopkins started his MotoGP career behind the ball. Back in 2002 when everyone was moving over to the four stroke monsters, John was cutting his Grand Prix teeth on a fickle, year old 500 cc two stroke. The next year he moved over to the Suzuki GSV-R MotoGP mess, and for the past four years he has been crashing and developing and learning and getting faster. The learning curve might have been steep but the fact he was riding a slower bike developed his corner speed skills. Fast forward to 2007 and the new regulations have played right into his hands. Add to the fact that Suzuki kicked the engineering department in the crotch and Hopkins has the makings of a future American champion. Oh and his Bridgestone’s? They aren’t second rate anymore.
Fact Number Two: The 800s are fast
When the FIM announced that the premier class would change its displacement limit from 990 to 800 cc’s in the interest of safety, the pundits were quick to point out that technology determines speed, not displacement. All the major factories went quickly to work in efforts to dispel any of those rumors and inside the first three tests the lap records are already under fire. The ability of the small bikes to turn faster and carry more corner speed has opened up a new chapter in the MotoGP and by the end of this year the world could see new records burn onto the tarmac. The renewed competitive fires burning in the MotoGP paddock only bolster the need for speed while the days of one brand dominance quickly fade into the past.
Fact Number Three: The field has been leveled.
When MotoGP moved to the four stroke formula in 2002 Honda had been pushing for the bigger bikes for a long time and when the first season rolled around they were well ahead of the game. Everyone else was forced to play catch up and it has taken a few years for the technological field to get level. In 2007 everyone is starting from zero and clean sheet designs from everyone open the podium up to new winners. Suzuki did their homework and their utter domination in Sepang demonstrates the newfound dedication to the cause. Honda, Yamaha and Ducati all showed a little bit of weakness, but immense amounts of engineering dollars will limit the damage that can be incurred on the first day of the racing season. Tire companies such as Michelin and Bridgestone have their advantages at various tracks, but the differences are minimal and this year’s title is up for grabs.
Fact Number Four: March 9th cannot get here soon enough.
Last year was quite possibly one of the best MotoGP seasons to date. It had all the drama and beauty any fan would come to expect from the premier motorcycle racing class. As the riders adjust and learn their new bikes it can be guaranteed that this year will only get better. The next few tests will give some idea of what to expect, but once the flag drops on March 9th, anything goes.
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Last Updated ( Monday, 29 January 2007 )
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