“Why so serious?” » This is the motto of a Joker as famous, if not more so, than the true hero of the saga, the Batman. Is this why Cal Fogarty, at the age of 54, put on makeup during his confinement in honor of the unhinged super villain who the era was infatuated with? Quite a symbol! Still, he couldn't have presented himself better to present his point of view on today's paddock and develop nostalgia for his own with a much less polite atmosphere...
The damage of confinement is definitely felt by all generations of pilots. The one in office is trying to put on a good face by giving the lie on social networks to also reassure sponsors about their investments. Frustrated with competition, these pilots sometimes appear haggard and often shaggy. This last detail shows that this house arrest decreed by the coronavirus is starting to get long. Some people even crack when they pull out the mower...
And then there are past glories, with more crude messages. Which also corresponds to their time. Take the case of the four-time WSBK World Champion on Ducati, Carl Fogarty. Titled in 1994, 1995, 1998 and 1999, he 59 victories on the clock. And he lets go by shooting at a political correctness that has enveloped the paddock to better devitalize it: “ when I ran, great people met ", remember foggy, star of the 1990s. Kocinski, Edwards, everyone had a big mouth, no one liked the other, it was interesting. Right now, everyone is everyone's best friend, they race and train together. In my time there was an Englishman – me. And there was a great American – Edwards. We both had big mouths, which excited the fans. »
« Like in boxing, we first insulted each other, then we fought on the circuit. This is lacking, today everyone is politically correct. In the past, things were different in Grand Prix. There was Schwantz, Rainey, Doohan, Gardner: they were mean guys who couldn't feel. It's different today ».
« The fans in England want to see the star from the United States or Australia, and they want the Brit to beat him. This is how rivalry arises. Spectators love it when drivers provoke each other " estimated Carl Fogarty that holds the top spot. " But today it is no longer allowed to be a strong personality because of all the media and sponsors. They tell you what to say and you should always say thank you. I once lost a race because of the rear tire, and I said the Michelin tire was crap. This is no longer possible today, many things have changed. For the best ? I'm not sure of it. »
The question remains open. But there are still strong minds trying to survive like Scott Redding or ofAndrea Iannone. Fortunately, this is not an exhaustive list…