Hiroshi Aoyama is a driver converted into team manager of a Honda Team Asia team which will field, in 2022, the drivers Ai Ogura and Somkiat Chantra in Moto2. This will theoretically be the longest Grand Prix season of all time with 21 meetings across the world in the midst of a health crisis. A variable that the Japanese take very seriously. Like Livio Suppo who has already warned that Covid-19 would have a say in the awarding of titles, Aoyama takes into account a situation which is further degraded by an omicron variant which is just waiting to contaminate...
The Grand Prix paddock has learned to deal with the coronavirus pandemic through its distancing measures, its control protocols and its so-called “bubble” strategy which has allowed the World Championship to survive. With 13 races in a locked environment in 2020, with 19 meetings in a calendar allowing people to leave Europe... And with 21 games in 2022, with several stages on the planet.
Certainly, but an omicron variant has appeared. Less dangerous a priori. However, this does not change the rules and restrictions put in place, which is annoying because it is more easily caught… Livio Suppo, Racing Consultant pointed this out in his analysis of what awaits us this year. In echo, Hiroshi Aoyama points out that the omicron strain is very contagious, and that this could therefore actually harm the championship.
Aoyama thus analyzes speedweek : " Last year was already difficult enough for everyone in the team, from the drivers to the mechanics. We must keep this in mind this year, being aware of the situation caused by Covid-19 ". Contagions which already existed in different teams, explains the Japanese. “ Last year, some mechanics were infected. We were lucky because it didn't become a disaster in the team. We managed the situation well and were able to continue the race ».
However… " The Omicron variant is a bit concerning because it is very contagious. We must be extra vigilant and avoid crowds. We will try to protect ourselves as best we can ».
Hiroshi Aoyama: “ you must not let yourself be discouraged«
This campaign therefore promises to be trying. If only by its promised length: “ we are going to have 21 races and it will not be easy, especially when we are fighting for the title. There will likely be good races and bad races, and you could be involved in an accident. But you shouldn't let yourself be discouraged. In your head, as a driver, you must always stay positive, analyze your mistakes and yourself over and over again. And you shouldn't get too depressed if things don't go as planned, but stay motivated ».
He finishes : " it is very important to control yourself, especially when the season is so long. In my time, there were still 15 to 17 seasonal races per year. But even then, you had to figure out how to maximize your potential during the season ". And it was in a world before where there was less pressure and fear of a tomorrow that a coronavirus can make precarious in no time...
