Ducati had managed to keep it a secret for several laps, but during last year’s MotoGP race in Malaysia (pictured), Alex Rins noticed the rear of Jack Miller’s bike drop as he accelerated into some of the straights.
Until then, it had been assumed that Ducati’s Holeshot device was superfluous after the first lap. But the factory had developed the ride height system so that it could be used by the driver from Buriram at will.
“I was the first to see it in Malaysia and I thought he broke his rear shock or what ?!” joked Rins in Jerez on Friday.
Other factories were forced to follow Ducati’s lead and develop similar lowering systems of their own, though Aprilia was the only other manufacturer to use a holeshot device (although attached to the front forks) at the start of a race last year.
Rins confirmed that Suzuki’s version is also ahead and should be ready for the 2020 season opener on Sunday.
“Suzuki worked really hard to try something at the front at the beginning and I’m pretty confident,” said Rins.
On the subject of matching items
“We haven’t tried anything on the back yet.”
Yamaha’s holeshot system should also make its racing debut on Sunday.
The factory tested a Ducati-like rear shock device over the winter, and while the original version required the driver to flip a switch on the knee (meaning it was too awkward to use after a race start), the Factory spec M1s now appear to have a new handlebar lever to trigger the system.
This, of course, has raised suspicions that they are ready to deploy the device in the same way as Ducati. to reduce the number of wheelies when exiting a corner and at the start of the race.
“We’re starting off pretty well with the new device,” said Monster Yamaha’s Maverick Vinales.
But he insisted, “It’s just for a start … I’m not thinking of using it [it anywhere else on the track] because we have other problems. “
On the subject of matching items
Repsol Honda also has a new handlebar switch in Jerez, suggesting at least one holeshot device will be in use on Sunday.
Honda’s reigning champions Marc Marquez were the fastest during Friday practice in Jerez. Vinales finished second and Rins seventh, but only 0.219 seconds off the lead.
Rins desperately needed a holeshot machine last season when he qualified in the front row only once in 19 rounds, but believes he can fight for the front row on Saturday.
“We have tried different things since the preseason to improve qualifying and, frankly, we did a good qualifying lap in Malaysia and also in Qatar,” said Rins, who fought his way up two races last year.
“We changed something in the setup and the new tire also helps me to better understand where the limit is over one lap. I think I’m ready to fight for pole and the front row. Let’s see, tomorrow, but I have the confidence that we will be at the top too. “