Sylvain Guintoli will not be at Silverstone on Sunday to comment the British Grand Prix on the British channel BT Sport. The Frenchman (40) puts his role as a consultant on hold when he races in the World Endurance Championship with SERT, and this is the case this weekend for the Suzuka 8 Hours. It is therefore from Japan that the former MotoGP rider, who continues to ride in the premier category during tests at Suzuki, explained to us the workings of training at the highest level. By always emphasizing a spirit of freedom.
“In five and a half weeks out of competition, is there a risk of a loss of bearings for a MotoGP rider?
It’s not long enough to lose the rhythm. Above all, the summer break allows you to recover, mentally and physically. After the sustained series of races during the season, it’s easy to lose momentum but you don’t lose driving. As long as you stay in physical activity, the break is always beneficial.
In general, is there a need to practice piloting?
There is no real need to ride all the time. The pilots are somehow programmed. The races are linked so that the cuts pass well. And winter is almost the same as it lasts almost two months. During the tests in Malaysia in February, the guys are already in the lap times after five laps.
Some still try to find substitutes for riding a MotoGP.
You have to be careful. By riding on other bikes, you can bring in automation that is not productive for riding in MotoGP. Some riders don’t ride other bikes at all to avoid getting into bad habits. If you do a lot of Superstock or mini-bikes without getting back on a MotoGP in the meantime, you lose the automatics. So a lot of riders are moving into motocross. It’s a physical activity that keeps you in shape and it’s completely different from the track, so it doesn’t interfere with your riding.
“Some party, others train like crazy on bikes, motocross. Still others do nothing at all.
Simulators are not an alternative?
The car simulators are incredible, with sensations very close to those of real single-seaters. But on a motorcycle, we are still very far from it. I’ve tried a lot of them and a lot of things are missing: mass transfer, when you brake or accelerate, the angle, the position of the pilot who moves himself. It is very difficult to apply.
Do the teams give instructions to their drivers to stay in shape?
The pilots manage themselves. It’s a special sport. In cycling, you necessarily have a plan that you must follow to stay on top and reach your goals at your peak of form. On a motorcycle, what matters most is well-being and confidence. You have to recharge your batteries because the discipline is mentally difficult. The important thing is that the pilots do what they want. Some party, others train like crazy on bikes, motocross. Still others do nothing at all, see their families. The pilots try to do what they need to. »
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