For the MotoGP project manager of the Suzuki Ecstar team Shinichi Sahara, the departure of Davide Brivio from Alpine F1 this year was an all the harder blow as it was he who had to take on the role of team manager at the last minute, in addition to his usual duties. A complete change for the Japanese manager who was forced to leave his office in Hamamatsu to be present at the 18 Grands Prix that included this 2020 season…
If the man insists on the excess work he had to face this year, the results of the season could have been worse, the 2020 world champion Joan mir still saving a place on the final podium despite a lack of victory. As for Alex Rins, only 13th in the championship, he receives in this interview published on the Suzuki 2021 Winter Magazine a first, barely disguised warning message…
Shinichi Sahara: « We are at the end of a long and demanding season and I would say that, despite not quite achieving the results we had hoped for, the year was 60-70% of what I expected. was waiting. 2021 was different for all of us, coming back after winning the title, and with the team manager leaving. We all had to make an effort and find our way forward. I was previously the team manager, mainly managing things from the factory in Japan, but in 2021 I took on a new role as team leader and project manager. This workload, coupled with the fact that I am still the group leader of the development department in Japan, was far too heavy. »
« But on the other hand, I learned a lot, and being on the tracks more often gave me a unique perspective that I didn't have in previous years. I am able to notice every detail of the GSX-RR and how it performs on the track. Last year I was only present at one circuit, Portimão for the season finale and I would have liked to attend more races to check how it was going, as I was not able to 'get a real understanding of our 2020 machine. When we started this season I couldn't really compare the two bikes. »
« In the same vein, I think that having attended all the races this year will be beneficial for next year. I'm really familiar with our bike now.
Participating in all the races was not only beneficial from a technical point of view, but also from a human management point of view. I communicated with a lot of people in the paddock in 2021, a lot more than before. Of course, I already knew most of them, but communicating directly with them face-to-face allowed us to get to know each other better than through emails or video meetings. Even within our own team, I became much more familiar with all the work than each team member. This was particularly evident with the marketing department. I don't think I really appreciated the complexity of their work until now! They are very creative and always pushing, constantly coming up with new ideas, not just every week but seemingly every hour. This aspect of our project was new to me. Marketing, sales and sponsorship, it's a huge responsibility and I learned a lot in depth! »
« I think one of the hardest parts of this new role this year has been the lack of anyone to discuss the big things with. When I was based remotely in Japan, I felt like I could see the big picture and offer good advice, but when you're on site and surrounded by everything, it can be difficult to step back and look at the things objectively. »
« On the other hand, I felt a lot of help and support from everyone on the team, not just from the team leaders or management people, but from every member. They've all tried to help and support me throughout this season, and I really appreciate that. Overall I can say, in terms of team spirit, we met my expectations, we just fell a little short in terms of results. »
« One clear thing about the bike's performance is that the improvement from last year to this year was not big enough, not as big as the year before. This does not mean a lack of effort on the part of the factory engineers, they did everything necessary and I am very satisfied with their work. But I think I would have needed to control something more, for example the order of jobs or parts, in terms of priority. »
« Although we didn't make it to the podium as often as we would have hoped, we felt great support from our loyal fans. I think Suzuki fans are different from any other manufacturer or team, they are special. They are so enthusiastic, so passionate, they really love us and we feel it. When the fans cheer us, even I feel it very strongly, so for the riders it's on another level. Before starting this work, I did not realize the importance of their encouragement. I could see them having fun and it was nice, but it wasn't until I started going to more races that I understood how that encouragement and support transfers to the runners, to the team , to the whole team. So when we hear them or read their comments, our motivation goes from one hundred percent to maybe 110 or 120 percent. So thank you to all of them, and let's continue to support each other, as one! »
« As we head into the winter break, I'd like to deliver a similar message to our two drivers, Joan and Álex: keep pushing.
This year, we managed to obtain 3rd place in the teams' championship and the constructors' championship thanks to the commitment and determination of all the drivers.
Joan also managed to secure 3rd place in the Drivers' Championship, which was difficult in a very competitive year. He certainly has the ability and potential to win the title again. He is consistent, fast and intelligent. He is capable of achieving good results even when luck is against him. We are already planning how to bring all these elements together for 2022 and we have complete confidence in him.
Alex is a totally different rider and this season has been more difficult for him. When he is fit, he is one of the hardest runners to beat. He has great potential and speed, but at times he seems to struggle to get going. He always had a lot of motivation before the season and during the start of the season, and as we saw this year, he was very fast at the start. But when he suffers a fall or a mistake that costs him, it seems like he goes into a tailspin and he has trouble getting back into the rhythm of things. We have to work with him because when you find a way to flip his switch, he can be unbeatable. »
« So my message to our two runners is simple: we are challengers, and together, we will fight to win again! »
