It is said that 20% of the drivers in the Grand Prix paddock owe their career to him. And given the track record of his teams, we can believe it. Aki Ajo is the flagship team manager of the Moto3 and Moto2 categories and, in 2016, he achieved the double in both disciplines by winning the world titles. His trademark ? Taking a driver that no one imagined capable of evolving at the top and transforming him into an undisputed Champion. So there is an Ajo method. And the Finn explains it.
This is the site MotoMatters who sought out the recipe in an in-depth interview revealing an extraordinary person. Enter Garlic, it's like anchoring yourself in an incubator to emerge World Champion. A magic whose formula is sought after. However, it is simple if we base ourselves on the words of the Finn: it is about working the human dough with the ingredients of trust and reciprocal dedication. Bring to a simmer and serve hot, and you will have a beautiful world crown.
Aki Ajo explain : " first of all, the members of the team, starting with me, are pure enthusiasts. Rarely do we take the easy path, but we are totally involved. We love challenges and we all work to meet them. The choice of drivers? Sometimes we see some who win or who are still in the leading group, but paradoxically, we do not perceive the sacred fire. And then there are others who often fall, do not succeed as they should and who have ».
« When you notice a driver who has the right approach, the right character but who is not yet so fast, you say to yourself that you could work well with him. I'm always looking for challenges and when you manage to bring to the top a driver that no one imagined capable of reaching such a level, it's much more rewarding for everyone. ».
«The pilot's attitude is essential here. He's not a star, he doesn't have an entourage who constantly tells him that he's the best. Of course, he needs a minimum of talent, but everyone has it around here in Grand Prix. Talent is one thing. But attitude and passion are something else ».
Aki Ajo clarifies by giving examples: “ they must be ready for all sacrifices. Brad Binder is a good example as is Johann Zarco. They are ready to sacrifice everything. And when I say everything, that’s really everything! You have to be ready for that if you want to win. When I talk to a pilot, I have to see it in his eyes. I want to break through this will: do everything to achieve it ". In other names that have gone through the method Garlic, we will cite Marc Marquez, Johann zarco, Jack Miller, Sandro Cortese, Luis Salom, and even Danny Kent. Next year he will take Antonelli under his wing for Moto3. We are waiting to see the metamorphosis.
