During this period of confinement, MotoGP riders are training as best they can. Most have a gym at the hotel, like Jorge Lorenzo, or at home, or adapt by running up and down the stairs, like Fabio Quartararo. But Valentino Rossi can also count on a high-tech tool: the CKU-28 simulator.
This Simulator was imagined and developed by Alex Criville (GP500 World Champion in 1999), Javier Ullate (Mechanic at Yamaha Racing) and Kini Muntada (rally co-driver), 5 years ago. It allows you to perfect your driving technique and position. The Tavullia champion is one of the rare owners of the simulator that is able to perfectly reproduce the movements and reactions of a MotoGP, even at over 300 km/h, reaching a degree of inclination of over 60°.
The former Spanish pilot spoke with AMV about the advantages of his simulator in this self-isolation situation. Although it is physical exercise that keeps your body in shape, this simulator helps to partially compensate for the lack of movement training. “ This is the most complicated part, because most train every day in motocross or supermoto. Lack of action can have some influence on preparation, although many work on several important aspects such as agility through different exercises provided by their personal trainers »
The price of the simulator is €18.000, Valentino Rossi was among the first buyers. Launched on the market almost five years ago, it was a great success with pilots. Of which " all VR46 Riders Academy riders who have worked extensively with two of our simulators, as well as other MotoGP riders. The simulator includes a screen with real images of all circuits on the MotoGP calendar. This way, in addition to the physical part, they can work on the visual part."
But what specific advantages does this simulator bring to MotoGP riders? “ One of the most important points is not to lose agility on the bike. This is precisely one of the simulator's strong points. It also allows the rider to work on the arms and legs by adopting the same positions on the motorcycle at 300km/h. » Alex Criville also assured that they were already working “on different developments in order to connect the simulator to a virtual game and thus get even closer to the experience of riding a motorcycle without leaving home."
The demo video speaks for itself:
Source: Luigi Ciamburro on Motoracing
