If there is a figure that we will certainly talk about in this Italian Grand Prix which will begin tomorrow Friday, it is indeed that of top speed. The long and also bumpy straight line of the Mugello track which almost cost Pirro dearly last year is indeed pushing the MotoGP towards impressive records in this area. The official maximum speed record is 356,5 km/h. But is this the guarantee of success under the checkered flag?
The official maximum speed record in MotoGP at Mugello is in fact 356,5 km/h. It was established by Andrea Dovizioso on his Ducati during last year's Italian race. THE Yamaha and other Suzuki who play at the forefront despite a V-max much lower than the Hondas and other Ducatis, must they nevertheless resolve to play extras in this sixth round of the championship? At Suzuki, we say no…
Certainly, the GSX-RR will lag behind the aforementioned machines in straight-line performance, and it will have a harder time breaking 350 km/h. But she has other assets in her game to highlight: “ Mugello is probably the fastest track on the calendar, which means you need good top speed, good aerodynamics and a good gearbox” commented the team leader of Joan Peace, Frankie Carchedi.
« In fact, the gearbox is one of the hardest things to set up, because a lot of the corners are only in second or third gear, but you need a lot of throttle for the long straight. There are fast chicanes and corners that flow into each other, which works to our advantage. So although other manufacturers have a higher top speed, it's important to be strong all the way around – and our strength lies in other areas.".
The Suzuki, like the Yamaha, will therefore be followed this weekend in Tuscany…
