Under the title “TecnoDovi”, Ducati presents a series of videos for all MotoGP fans who have always wanted to know what the work of riders and their teams is like. In the third episode of this series, which is broadcast on YouTube, Andrea Dovizioso and his team leader Alberto Giribuola look back on the working method behind the development of the famous “maps” used in racing.
“In recent years, electronics have become more and more important”, comments Alberto Giribuola, team leader of Andrea Dovizioso. We can act on 4 main parameters: way in which power is delivered, engine braking, anti-slip and anti-wheeling. These 4 parameters are adjusted by making compromises, because the bike must be efficient on the entire circuit.
Andrea Dovizioso then explains how a racing weekend takes place, in terms of settings. First, its electronics engineer establishes a baseline setting using data from past seasons. This basic calibration is refined during the different test sessions, according to feedback from the pilot. Dovi says he is very sensitive to the new settings, particularly those concerning anti-wheeling.
But a test session not only allows you to adjust the electronics, but also to adjust the chassis. Thus, Alberto Giribuola continues by indicating that “the electronics and I must work in unison”. If, for example, Andrea Dovizioso asks for a motorcycle that is less likely to wheelie, his technical team can act on the “set-up” (the chassis adjustments), by lengthening the motorcycle a little (for example in slightly modifying the caster angle). But it can also act on the electronics by increasing anti-wheeling control. However, it is preferable not to add the 2 effects, otherwise you will have a result that is the opposite of what the rider is asking for, and end up with a less maneuverable and slower motorcycle.
Should we give more importance to pilot feedback or telemetry?
The answer given by Alberto Giribuola is a response from Normand: " It depends ". The electronics are tuned specifically to the rider's riding style. The first factor to analyze is therefore whether the maneuver carried out by the pilot, in the sector of the track analyzed, is correct. He reminds us that “electronics are always an aid to the pilot, they do not alone allow you to go faster”.
“The pilot makes the difference by explaining to the technicians what happened and understanding what is necessary,” adds Andrea Dovizioso. In the test sessions, almost all the riders are fast because the bike is adapted to the tires, to the track conditions, and the runs are relatively short. In racing, other factors must be taken into account, such as tire wear, which limits the number of drivers capable of being at the top of the standings.
How are the “maps” set?
The preparation of these “maps” (or cartographies, in French in the text) is continuous work, from the first practice session until the race. The most important moment, from a race management point of view, is FP4, because the drivers are using worn tires. This makes it possible to adapt the electronics to a situation similar to that which the drivers will find during the last laps of the race. From a weather point of view, with FP4 and the race taking place at similar times, the track conditions are similar, which provides valuable information for tire choices for the race. However, this choice remains uncertain until a few minutes before departure, especially when the rain is present.
Adapted race management
Andrea Dovizioso explains that you can learn to know which mapping is most suitable for the racing situation, with proper training. The pilot's ability to concentrate is therefore essential. Fortunately for Dovi, clarity and rationality are natural qualities, so it is quite easy for him to change “maps” during the race. He adds that it is relatively important to try to develop these maps with the race in mind, bearing in mind tire wear, which cannot be simulated 100%.
Dovi highlights the importance of the electronics engineer in development work, especially for pilots who do not have a well-defined working method: “There are pilots who do not change maps, who are not capable of doing so.”
We published a file on how to adjust the chassis via software:
- part 1
- part 2
Check out this informative TecnoDovi episode below:
