Even before the paddock-GP site existed, our journalistic background had already led us to closely follow all French initiatives in motorcycle sport which could encourage vocations and promote the rise of our young riders to the Grands Prix. .
We did the same during the 2016 season, focusing on various advances in this area, starting with the Vitesse traveling school and French championship Grand Prix objective, two of the initiatives of the French Motorcycling Federation which seem interesting to us, but also the FFM Detection Days which bring together a large number of practitioners, whether beginners or more experienced.
Access the first part concerning the Traveling School and the 25 Power Challenge
3/ Grand Prix Objective
If 2015 was once again an excellent year for French motorcycling sport in general, thanks among other things to Johann Zarco's world title but also to Endurance and Off-road, a problem was materialized by the abandonment of the small category in French FSBK Championship: too expensive to buy and especially to maintain, Moto3s had become unaffordable for the majority of young French drivers. The French Motorcycling Federation was therefore forced to withdraw this category from the championship, due to a lack of participants.
However, there was no question of definitively abandoning the first category of the French Championship and, in a few months, a solution was proposed thanks to a very active partnership between the French Motorcycling Federation, the French manufacturer Sherco and a promoter private, leading to the formula Grand Prix objective which we have already presented to you from several angles.
Presentation Objective Grand Prix at the French Grand Prix
Interview with the President of the FFM, Mr. Jacque Bolle
Summary of the first part of the season
Summary of the second part of the season
Calendar and Registration 2017
The solution therefore consisted of making this category very affordable by relying on a Cross engine housed in a competition cycle part. To fill the field, Sherco took up the technical challenge, with the guarantee provided by the FFM of a minimum sale of 10 motorcycles. These motorcycles, acquired by the FFM, were rented to competitors who wished, thereby lowering the initial investment to launch into the deep end of competition.
During the French Grand Prix, we were able to make a first point with Mr. Jacque Bolle, President of the French Motorcycling Federation on the subject.
Jacques Bolle: “We considered that if we started a first year with around fifteen participants, it would be a success. This is currently the case. We therefore did not expect a tidal wave, especially since false information was spread on social networks, according to which the Championship would not take place! We therefore lost a few competitors but I think that in the long term, there is a potential of twenty or twenty-five for next year.
Remember that we are talking here about real racing motorcycles, not production motorcycles, which are both very affordable and very easy to maintain. They are, certainly, simplified, basic racing motorcycles, but racing motorcycles nonetheless. However, the more we move towards “elitism”, by definition the fewer people we reach. But we had to have something, since there was clearly a hole to fill and I think we filled it. »
And, indeed, there are no less than 22 riders who, at one time or another, took the plunge by lining up in the French FSBK Pre-Moto3 Championship in 2016, as we can see by consulting the results on the FFM website.
We therefore questioned Thierry Beaumont, the father of two future participants, Exupéry and Tanguy, to find out who the parents and children concerned were and what they expected from the Objectif Grand Prix Championship.
What is your children’s journey so far?
“At the motorcycle level, they just did a little motocross, but without competing. A little initiation and a few courses during the holidays, but no competition. »
How old are they ?
“13 and a half, and 15 years. »
What appealed to you about the Objectif Grand Prix Championship?
“Above all, the supervision around. The fact that there is a reception structure and that the children are supervised. We participated in the two detection days in Alès, and we enjoyed it. The fact that we can rent the motorcycles was also decisive, because it is less restrictive than having to buy them and then possibly resell them. We can add that the presence of Sherco on the circuits is important for parents who therefore do not need to stock parts in advance. If there is a small fall, we can obtain supplies on site. It is good too. So it's a whole set of things, and that's not bad because it's not easy to start out on your own, especially when you don't have competition experience. »
Why didn't you go for a designer cut?
“The fact that the kids had real racing motorcycles was important to them. In addition, all the kids are in the same age range, unlike branded cuts in which there are a few of all ages. »
How are your children approaching this year?
“I don’t put pressure on them. They are not worried. It's a year of discovery during which they will learn the circuits, starting with Le Mans. They will be disorientated but above all you have to ride to have fun. We'll see if they bite into it. If they get into the game, it will work itself out. »
Personally, do you have any competitive experience?
“I practiced a little, first in off-road, then I did a little on the track, in the brand cup, then in FSBK and in Endurance at Bol and Le Mans. »
To find out if these expectations have a good chance of being met in 2017, we interviewed Amaury Leroux, whose son, Arthur, competed in the first season of OGP.
Can you describe to us what your expectations were, your background, and what you found at OGP, both positive and negative?
“Arthur came from the Yamaha Cup. It's an amazing product and the kids have a blast with it. Now, even though he wasn't at a great level as a driver, his plan was to really get a taste of the competitive atmosphere. This is why we moved towards pre-Moto3, because the bikes are more in the spirit of competition, like in Grand Prix, with a fairly rich paddock. We looked everywhere, and what the French federation was offering, with Sherco, met our expectations for a first approach and a first year. And we are so satisfied that we are renewing our commitment this year. Honestly, what was proposed is fabulous!
As a parent, arriving in the world of competition, and I have done so in cross-country endurance, immediately requires a structure, a mechanic, etc. For someone who is not from the industry, I think that is simply impossible. And there, this handling is extraordinary because it is a real entry point to compete directly in Pre-GP. It's really ideal.
the fact of having the French federation, with Mr. Bronec with test days, it works. And that’s how it happened: the kids can try. the first time, my son was a little distraught, and the second time, he was hooked. In addition, you can rent a motorbike. By renting a motorbike, you are welcomed by Sherco on the circuits, and there you have assistance, because it is not given to everyone and you know everything straight away. There, we are taken in hand, we are advised, we give you the right gear ratio, the right suspension settings, etc. They come with spare parts, in case of fall or problem. My kid had a fall in Albi; everyone pitches in and he leaves.
This is truly an extraordinary entry into the competition!
Thierry Capela is the kingpin of the system and plays an essential role in it. I've never seen that anywhere else: he's always active, going to the starting grid to say a little word of encouragement to each kid, to also remind them that they're there to have fun and enjoy themselves. He is also very vigilant about good conduct and good spirit. Have a little aggression but without putting yourself in danger. Parents appreciate this. »
But the panorama you give me is too beautiful...
“But it’s reality!” At least that's what I experienced. And I know the racing world well. This result is the fruit of the constant work of an OGP/Sherco/FFM trio where everyone has their role and does it in an ideal way.
Alain Bronec and the FFM provide the solution of motorcycles that can be rented, either for the season, for the race or even for training. It's perfect and we are well received. Sherco provides assistance and help and passion, but also cares about children by welcoming them in tents and renting a box. They even take our wheels off so we can have the tires changed. Obviously, we help, but the good spirit is there.
Thierry capela is the conductor and is constantly innovating, with small raffles to win tires, etc. All of these people are very deserving and we need to make it known.
Financially, the solution is good. Children don't play with boxes at Christmas. And to make an entry into the world of competition, this entry is extraordinary. Besides, I'll come back to it. »
Come on, do us a favor: find us a negative point or, at least, an improvement to make…
“So, I suggested that we emphasize more on the fact that these are children on the track. Children who go to school, like all children, children who each have a life project, from veterinarian to motorcycle rider like Rossi, etc. So the little touch that I suggested was to provide the announcer with the information so that he can explain who is running. For example, Carole's children had just started school. Some in 5th grade, some in 6th grade, etc. I went to see each kid and asked them two or three questions, then we gave this to the announcer and he played the game by stating that “at the top, there is so-and-so, he is this age, is from this region and wants that in life.”
Suddenly, there was a different vision, and when the children came home, there were lots of parent spectators who identified. It's important to make it clear that these are children who are riding, especially since when they have their helmets and their outfits, we don't see that they are kids.
It's the littlest thing, and the rest is just perfect. There is even an osteopath on site. Hat ! It’s a championship that deserves to really succeed. It is fabulous. »
The formula therefore has the advantage of filling the hole that existed and, visibly, of filling the participants. After this first year of creation, it will need to be strengthened in 2017 where, for the moment, we expect between 18 and 22 permanent pilots.
The budget is low and could surprise those who indulge in motorcycle speed racing. It is the result of a commitment from the FFM which purchased 10 Sherco motorcycles to launch the formula. Today, she rents them for the sum of 4800 euros per year, which allows as many people as possible to take the plunge.
It must be remembered that, unlike the motorcycles of multiple brand cuts, the Sherco is a true competition motorcycle, combining a 250 cm3 4-stroke single-cylinder off-road engine and a chassis specially designed for its exclusive use on the circuit.
The Sherco is therefore the ideal turnkey solution to make its debut against the Moriwaki MD, Metrakit and other BMS Honda (Objectif Grand Prix is open to all brands) especially as it can also be used in the Spanish Championship Pre-Moto3 with minimal modifications, for those who would like to compete abroad.
Despite its very moderate cost, it proved to be efficient and reliable, as evidenced by the second and third places in Matthieu Grégorio et Joris Ingiulla behind the Moriwaki of Clément Rougé, the 2016 French champion.
A successful objective, therefore, for this relaunch of the entry category of the French Championship, especially since it should naturally strengthen over time, both in terms of the number of participants and the homogeneity of the field.
4/ FFM Detection Days
What is commonly called the FFM Detection Days is original in that it brings together many of the federation's initiatives in favor of speed.
Thus, we find mixed the Traveling School, participants of the 25 Power FFM Championship, participants of the Objectif Grand Prix Championship, and even speed drivers from Grands Prix and WSBK, such as fabio quartararo, Florian Marino, Louis Bulle ou Enzo Boulom.
We went to the Carole circuit and to the Pole Mécanique d'Ales to see first-hand how things were going, and the least we can say is that they are going rather well.
Obviously, there is no question of “throwing” everyone on the track at the same time, but the organization is very rigorous and the groups of drivers follow one another without interruption, with a very short period of time between each of them: the track is used to the maximum and the pilots get even more for their money as the pilots are invited by the federation.
This heterogeneity of the groups is an additional motivating factor for the youngest and it is useless to describe to you how the “real pilots” are considered by those who form the base of the pyramid…
It is important to note that the federation always places emphasis on the safety of drivers, whether on the track, obviously, but also by providing insight into the precautions to take when engaging in driving, whether either by the advice of Christian Sarron, but also the presence of a doctor and an osteopath or a hearing specialist.
The latter's explanations were enough to make us aware of the need to protect our ears... even among the oldest among us!
If, between the freshness of Carole and the overheated asphalt of Alès, the conditions were very different, we found the same organization and the same passion of the participants, all in an extremely friendly atmosphere, whether on the track or after driving hours, in the evening in the paddock. Most parents help each other prepare the motorbikes for the next day while the children, because they are children, play with each other.
In the end, and without mentioning the purely detection side, where the representatives of the FFM can appreciate this or that pilot with a view to helping him in the future, these driving days constitute an excellent mix of the different categories and are experienced as a sort of training/reward by the pilots themselves.
