In a competition as intense as MotoGP, every detail that can bring a performance gain counts. It is sought after in all areas, and it seems that one element appears today to be essential. It is more and more adopted, it is promised happiness, and it will ask pilots to review their ranges. What is it about ? A technique which has existed since 1992 and which appeared to help an injured pilot. Or the possibility of braking with your thumb…
The process appeared in 1992 on the Honda of a Mick doohan his leg was in such bad shape that he could no longer move it properly to use it to control the rear brake. An exception to Assen in the last century which is visibly becoming the rule at the dawn of the 2020 season. In a conversation with Andrea Pellegrini, engineer of BremboThe site Motosport-total took stock of the evolution of the thumb braking system and the advantages it offers.
More and more pilots today request this trigger on the left handlebar. According to Brembo, more than a third of the field succumbed to its charms: “ drivers ask for it specifically because it is difficult to use the brake pedal in all right turns », explains the Brembo engineer Andrea Pellegrini. " They use the thumb brake in these corners, but it can be difficult to get the right feel with your thumb because you're pushing and not pulling. »
This is why the system was further developed: “ on a scooter or bicycle, for example, it is easier with your finger because you can better regulate the pulling force. So we developed a push-and-pull solution where the lever can be operated with the finger ", states Pellegrini.
Karel Abraham had already tested the system during the 2019 winter tests and was thus able to prepare for braking in this way. “ He used it without problem during the season. It's difficult for other drivers. They are used to their style. Changing it during the season is complicated ". However, the Brembo expert is confident that he will see more in the future, especially as other riders have tried the new solution during the season, such as Valentino Rossi in Barcelona and Marc Márquez in Sepang. “ He tried it to see if he liked it or not “, remembers Pellegrini.
« He had already won the title, so he could try something new for the upcoming season. Honda decided to test it first with Marc Márquez then Cal Crutchlow the next day. I know Marc is open to continuing to work on using it next season. " It's the same for Crutchlow. " I think this could be a good addition », explains the Briton about the advantages of the thumb/finger brake: “ we can talk about a tenth of a second per revolution. If you're trying to win that on the engine side, you have to develop it maybe a year »
However, the change was not easy, especially for him: “ I use the rear brake frequently and apply so much pressure that if I do it with my thumb or finger the bike locks up and I lose control. This is not the case with the brake pedal. You have to get used to it. »
Others will grow with the new system, explains Brembo engineer Pellegrini. “ This is the system of the future. Many Moto2 and Moto3 riders also have questions about it, especially since Márquez tested it for the first time. I think it's a new style that will prevail particularly among young drivers. »
