A little over a month ago, we introduced you to Francesco Bagnaia's chief mechanic, David Muñoz Torras, in a fun cross-interview carried out by Sky Racing Team VR46. Relaxed and smiling, the two men seemed in harmony. And a month later, they are leaders of the Moto2 World Championship thanks to an excellent run achieved in just four races. A perfect alchemy between a talented driver and an experienced chief mechanic who has worked with drivers such as Maverick Viñales and Álex Rins.
David Munoz Torras confided in Pier Paolo Alessi for Sky Sports, in an interview where he talks about the start of the season, his technical analyzes and his relationship with Bagnaia.
Leader of the World Cup, three podiums in four races including two victories. The question is simple: did you expect a start to the season like this?
“We knew we were competitive and could play up front, but I didn't expect a start like this. Winning two of the first three races was obviously something difficult to predict given the level of our opponents. Winning in Austin was even better. In 2017 we struggled, while this year we managed to win. It's a lot of emotion. »
Many say one of the reasons for these results is the switch to Ohlins suspensions…
“It was obviously a big step forward, but generally speaking it was the entire technical package and the entire team that made this result possible: driver, team, working method and technical solutions. Pecco immediately felt comfortable with the Ohlins, especially in terms of confidence with the front end. On this point it made a real difference compared to last year. »
Who most wanted change for the Ohlins?
“It’s a decision taken jointly by the whole team. Last year, Pecco saw the riders equipped with Ohlins suspension have something extra in certain parts of the race. We compared and arrived at this decision, shared by the entire team and the technical structure. »
Let's talk about the pilot. How do you think Pecco has progressed since 2017?
“Already having a year of experience in this category definitely helps. From the first tests we implemented a working method with the new technical package which worked. Every weekend we work from the first practice session, always thinking about the race. In Moto2 the difference is made when we manage to be strong in the last laps. Last year we had a little trouble at the start, with a full tank, so we compared several settings to find the right one. On this point the Ohlins helped us a lot in defining a pleasant setting for Pecco's style. »
You've been sharing the box with Bagnaia for two years, but you've worked in the past with riders of the caliber of Maverick Viñales and Álex Rins. What common points do you find between these three drivers?
“The desire to win!” I've always seen that in them, it's something you find in all good drivers. Who does Pecco remind me of most? Maybe Maverick. They are both very demanding and sensitive, they feel every little change on the bike. »
Apparently you were the only one not to get agitated at the end of the race in Qatar, when Baldassarri overtook Pecco, as if you knew he was going to retaliate...
“Knowing Pecco, I knew he wouldn't have waited until the last corner to try to take the lead again, so I expected him to overtake. »
Now let's talk about your work. It is said that Moto2 is a less “technical” category, even compared to Moto3. How can a chief mechanic make the difference?
“It’s true, in Moto3 a chief mechanic has more opportunity to intervene, but in Moto2 there are different elements to take into account. With similar engines, tuning is fundamental. You have to find a good compromise to make the best use of the tires, especially at the end of the race. It's not simple. »
How do you see the transition from Moto2 to Triumph engines and Magneti Marelli electronics in 2019?
“I expect a difficult year for everyone because everything will be really new: engine, electronics… Before judging we should know the room for maneuver that will be possible in 2019, especially on the electronics side. In any case, there will certainly be a lot of work to do. »
