Author of a very good first part of the season, during which Jules Danilo regularly appeared in the Top 10, the French driver then experienced more difficult times, caused in part by technical problems, but also by a more difficult contract renewal. than expected which disrupted his concentration. Overall, 58 points scored in 2016 and a 20th place overall which obviously does not satisfy those who, far from the spotlight, work tirelessly.
Today, Romano Fenati's teammate gives a full update on his 2016 season in Moto3 and his first pre-season tests. He also discusses his goals for 2017 and beyond.
- Jules, the end of the season seems to have been more difficult than at the beginning, what happened?
I had a difficult end to the season. However, I performed well in the race, in particular at Phillip Island where I fought for the podium or for 5th place at Sepang before falling on the oil patch. When I arrived in Valencia, I really didn't expect it to be this difficult. I no longer had any feeling in the back and suffered a big highside during qualifying. I had to push hard to try to be fast, but it didn't show in terms of lap time.
- During the tests which followed the last Grand Prix in Valencia, did you find answers to these problems?
During the first test it was very difficult. I didn't find the feeling again. Likewise, my team left, so I have a new chief engineer. For the moment, things are going very well. The objective of these tests was first to try to find solutions before taking a break for a few weeks to return to full fitness next year. It's really not nice to do tricks for nothing...
- Did you and the team make any changes to the bike between Sepang and Valencia?
Quite honestly, I don't know. When we took the bike out of the crate on the way back from the overseas tour, I got on it and lost everything. I no longer had any feeling with the rear. The bike widened a lot and I had to force myself to keep the correct trajectory. I was worried that the rear was going to stall and that's ultimately what happened. After that, I didn't want to push it any further, because I knew what was going to happen.
- Despite this, what assessment do you give of your successful start to the season?
My start to the season was very consistent, having fought in the Top 10. Arriving at Sachsenring, my worst result, excluding crashes, was eleventh place. I thought I had acquired something, but in the second half of the season, it was more difficult. I had some good races, but I didn't have the same feeling. For example, in Brno it was impossible to drive fast without falling. I fell three times during the weekend without understanding why. From there, it is difficult to find the same sensations again. When I arrived at Silverstone, I felt like I had found what I was missing since I qualified sixth. During the race, I suffered from a clutch problem. Still, I have to analyze this end of the season to learn lessons for next year.
- It seems that some Honda riders had the 2017 version of their machine during testing, what about your side?
I had the 2016 Honda. We didn't have any new parts to test. On the Monlau team side, I know that the riders had the new chassis, a new fairing and a new saddle. For the engine, I'm not sure if they had the 2017 version. However, it is said that the new engine would be up to 5% more powerful than in 2016. Honda continues to work to offer a real evolution in 2017 and it bodes well.
- These last two seasons, you have been able to achieve a certain stability within the team, do you think that this change of staff could be an obstacle to your objectives?
I really liked my team, but it is what it is and I have to deal with it. With this new team, the objective is for things to go well. I have no choice: this has to go well. On the other side of the garage, there is Mirco Cecchini, the team boss. He has a lot of experience and he helps me a lot. We are not starting from scratch.
- Romano Fenati will be your teammate next year, do you think that could bring good competition to the team?
I think so. A lot of people think our styles complement each other. I won't bother him and he won't bother me. This is not my real concern. I think there will be no problem next year. My goal will be to beat him and, if that creates problems, we will see (laughs).
- Between now and the next official test in Jerez, what is your program?
I continue my physical training program at CAR in Barcelona. I have a track training program that is becoming clearer. This program could really help me this season, because my goal is to move to Moto2 soon. There will probably be further private testing sessions, but the new bike will not arrive before the official test in Jerez.
