Winner of the 250 cc German Grand Prix in 3, Dutchman Wilco Zeelenberg has been on the podium nine times in this category. In 1990, when Yamaha withdrew from the Supersport World Championship after Cal Crutchlow's title, the Batavian became “Rider Performance Analyst” for Jorge Lorenzo.
When the Spaniard left for Ducati, Wilco continued to take on the same role, this time for Maverick Vinales. According to him, " These two drivers have a different way of working, and you have to constantly analyze.
“It's difficult to explain exactly what varies in detail because Maverick has a completely different riding style. You can't give him the same information as Jorge, because he drives differently and he attacks the corners differently.
“Vinales is much more… I would say, mature… in terms of schedules, timing and all that. With Jorge, I had to be very vigilant, otherwise he would miss the practice session. He had no idea of time, Jorge.
“But Maverick is very precise. Ten minutes before the start of the session, he is there. Jorge, sometimes before the session he wasn't there and I had to find him. I had to be very sharp to get him to the stand and prepare him so that he didn't miss anything.
“But with Maverick, this area is easier. He is very precise: when we have an appointment at four o'clock, he is there at four o'clock.
“I already told Viñales that with his style we can make a better bike out of the Yamaha. Because it brakes later and creates more temperature in the front tire, we are able to turn the bike better. And with its body position, it allows you to steer the bike better.
“I think he can be better, because he only did seven races with this bike and Jorge had nine years on it. So, winning three of the first seven races, we are quite satisfied. »
Photo © motogp.com
Source: Manuel Pecino for sportrider.com, part of the Bonnier Motorcycle Group, a division of Bonnier Corporation.
