In MotoGP, rivalry is at every level. On the track, of course, between the drivers, but also in the pits. Thus, when serving as chief engineer of Marc Márquez orAndrea Dovizioso, we also look at our counterpart and we also experience a duel by proxy. So how do Alberto Giribuola in the service of Dovi and Santi Hernandez approach the shadow of Marc Márquez this vigil of arms which will lead, this weekend, to a Grand Prix of the Qatar who will open hostilities for the 2019 season?
At Ducati, Alberto Giribuola work with Andrea Dovizioso. And at Honda, Marc Márquez always had Santi Hernandez by his side. Before the start of the new season, they both spoke about the work done inside the box during winter testing and the features of the new bikes.
For the last two seasons, the title has been a matter between Andrea Dovizioso et Marc Márquez and the Spaniard has so far always won. We will soon see what happens in 2019 and on the eve of the first Qatar race, the official website motogp.com interviewed the chief mechanics of the two respective riders.
On the one hand, Alberto Giribuola, in the Ducati stand, which began last year with the triumph of Dovizioso on the Losail circuit, in Qatar. He explains : " in the last test the focus was mainly on preparations for the race. It's important to work out the little details. We tried different things and gathered a lot of information ". The Desmosedici GP19 brings some improvements and innovations. Swivel precise : " the pilot must get used to the changes. On the 2019 bike, there are new features which should influence the performance over the distance of a race. We are focusing on the last part of the race, because there were tire wear problems in the last two or three laps. However, we are ready for the season and the goal is always to become world champions! ».
At Honda, Marc Marquez is surrounded by the faithful Santi Hernandez. He also talks about the new Honda RC213V: “ we worked on the weaknesses of last year, namely acceleration and top speed. It seems we have made progress, but we have to wait until the first race to understand it, because in winter testing no one showed their cards ". The new Honda has more power after a lot of work on the engine. The Spaniard admits: “ the speed isn't bad, but that's not all. Power must also be managed, if you have too much, it can limit you in turns with the risk of lifting the front wheel. The work isn't done yet and we still need to get our hands on the perfect setting ».
