It was after endurance testing that we interviewed Randy de Puniet, only a few days before the resumption of MotoGP activities in Qatar.
Personal endurance program, Canal+ system and even prediction for the coming season, we have reviewed all the subjects that are important to us with the one whose professional eye illuminates each session of the premier category of the Grands Prix for French viewers .
Randy, you did endurance tests in Almeria and Valencia with Pierre Chapuis' Moto Ain team. How did that happen ?
Randy de Puniet : " I have known Pierre Chapuis for 20 years and he has been asking me to come ride with him for quite some time. The opportunity presented itself since I didn't have handlebars and now he has a competitive bike. This winter, he decided to do an EWC and he asked me for a lot of advice. I told him what to buy for a fork, what brakes, and what to do to the bike to have a good bike and so we could start talking. From there, without having a crazy motorcycle, he has a good Yamaha R1, with Öhlins, Brembo and Yamaha electronics. It's a healthy bike, with the parts that fit well, and the tests went well in Almeria after the restart, and went very, very well in Valencia where we performed well. I rode and I had fun, and that's good, but I don't know yet if I'm going to participate in the championship because there are still technical points to raise. We expect answers within a few days and I will decide after. If we manage to have a well-rounded technical package, I think it could be fun to go and tease the factory bikes with a private bike! But I don't really want to push myself to get seventh or eighth. So we are waiting for these technical answers. I always want to ride and I had never ridden a Yamaha. I'm having fun and I was surprised by the technical level of the team. They were stock champions last year and, on a technical level, they have Laurent Pradon for suspensions and data. I get along really well with him, and above all, when you ask him for things, he gives them to you on the bike. Technically, they are a very good team, even if their budget is very limited. »
A few days before the first MotoGP tests in Qatar, can we have an idea of the system put in place by Canal+ to cover the season?
« Normally, and this is something new compared to last year, a small team should be sent to Qatar to follow the tests and cover the news, just to collect the information and show some images. Then, still normally, we should go to Qatar with a large team for the two Grands Prix. These decisions are taking a long time to finalize due to the health crisis, but it seems set for David (Dumain) and I to do the on-site commentary for MotoGP and the usual team for Moto2 and Moto3, while Jules (Deremble) and Nicolas (Alix) will be in the paddock. And I hope so, because as a consultant it is still better to collect information and inform the subscriber. »
The other new thing this season compared to last year, at least for the moment, is the resumption of MotoGP races outside Europe. Who does this do good for: MotoGP, Canal+, the teams, the drivers, the viewers?
« To everyone, starting with the pilots! Last year they did laps and laps on circuits they know by heart. There, we start with two races on the Losail circuit in Qatar, which we have been going to since 2005 and which the drivers know well, but on which they have not yet done millions of kilometers either, either. opposite of for example Jerez or Misano! So it's good for everyone, and the fact that the championship is going to start where it should start gives a sign of hope for some form of return to normality. In addition, it also shows other countries outside Europe that the protocol put in place by Dorna, with the system of a waterproof bubble, works and can be exported almost everywhere, especially with the even stricter measures taken this year. year. »
Marc Márquez has announced that he will not be present during the tests in Qatar but hopes to be able to return at the start of the season. How do you see the latter compared to last year?
« It’s going to be an open season again! Frankly, it seems a little early for Marquez to return to Qatar, but I hope so for him. Ultimately, everyone can say what they want, but only he and those around him know the real state of his arm and can judge. If he can come back to Qatar, great! Afterwards, it remains to be seen what condition he would be in. The recovery is going to be difficult anyway because, when he was forced to leave the championship, he was clearly above the rest. We remember his comeback in Jerez. Now, almost nine months have passed without him being on a motorcycle, and while he's still amazing, I think it won't be easy. »
Can a top Grand Prix driver like Márquez adopt a 98% pace, that is to say be very fast but keep the necessary margin to be sure not to fall? Is it possible or, in any case, once on the track we take risks?
« In fact, riding while saying to yourself “I must not fall” is not possible, because when you ride like that, you are not focused. And when we're not focused, we make mistakes. So I think he needs to do what he knows how to do, but on the other hand not go looking for the little beast. So I think that at the beginning he will take less of his usual risks. And then, if we look at the appearance of last year's championship, let's imagine that he returns to Qatar 2 and that he finishes seventh, then that he scores sixth, fifth, etc. : If the championship is as crazy as last year, at mid-season he is not dropped to be champion! These are just assumptions and I think he had time to ruminate and think for nine months: After the mistake he made in Jerez, if there is something he doesn't feel, he won't do it. Now, it is still his physical integrity that is at stake. »
A prediction for Qatar and for the season?
« For the season, I can see Rins having a very good year. Unlike last year when I said that Mir was going to do strong, I think it will be more difficult this year for him. He had an interesting season but he lacked a bit of panache and enthusiasm. He did what he had to do and it went to the end, but I think Rins took a nice slap seeing his teammate champion and he's going to wake up.
Afterwards, I can see Miller, because he didn't have too much success in 2020 either. But I think there is another one who will do well, and I even see him on the podium at the first race, it's Zarco! Last year, he had the season he needed to have, with flashes, mistakes, and everything. If he really manages to channel himself and be in the same mode at Pramac as he was at Tech3, to be well grounded, I think he will have a great year, with good equipment that he knows well. So I think that Zarco, already in Qatar, it’s not impossible!
As for Yamahas, it will depend on the bike. Apparently, they have done a lot of things but have they really put their finger on the problem and will they be able to resolve it within the scope of the regulation?
Anyway, I think it's going to be another good year because there won't be someone who will win 10 or 12 races like Marc Márquez did. I don't believe that! We can't wait for it to start! »
