When you look at photos of drivers in action twenty years ago, it’s like stepping into another world. The fairings of the bikes were “smooth”, without aerodynamic appendages, and the driving style was very different from what is required today. Over the past few years riders have taken their riding style to the extreme, leaning a lot off the bike and touching their elbows in all corners, so suit makers have had to adjust by adding sliders in places where they weren’t expected .
Valentino Rossi, the last strong man of the generation who was born and raised with the 2-stroke, from the 125 to the 500, had to adapt several times to changes in driving style that were increasingly being demanded by wheels and tires.
“The style has changed in recent years, especially when it comes to the position on the bike. Everyone leans their head and shoulders heavily outwards when cornering“, He said at the end of the Assen Grand Prix.
The question was whether the aerodynamics have a major influence on his driving style.
“I don’t know. It definitely allows you to accelerate better and brake later,” the doctor continued. “But I think the biggest differences are due to the development of the tires, brakes and electronics.”
Three key components in the most important phases: Entering and exiting curves.
“The current MotoGP motorcycles are undoubtedly very physically demanding,” he emphasized. “Above all, they enable later braking and very fast cornering. This means that the trajectories you are using have also changed. “
But the different wings and various fins of the MotoGP bikes do not only have advantages. On a fast and technical track like Assen, their shortcomings are noticeable.
“With these aerodynamic solutions, the bike becomes heavier when changing direction. You need more strength“Rossi concluded.