Motosan exclusively interviewed Franco Uncini, the 1982 500cc champion, to analyze the latest MotoGP news.
Par Jesus Sanchez Santos / Motosan.es
We have just had an atypical MotoGP world champion, Jorge Martin, from a satellite team, what do you think of his season?
“Atypical relatively, because it’s happened before. As you said, my world championship is a bit like Martin's. A satellite team. But you know, the manufacturers have a little more resources, but sometimes the difference is so small that the perseverance, the consistency of a driver can make a real difference. Martin certainly deserved the world championship because he was more consistent than Pecco, but if Martin had had a problem in the last race and Bagnaia had won, I wouldn't have said he didn't deserve it. They were two great drivers until the last race. »
In the entire history of MotoGP/500cc, we have only had six champions from independent teams, outside of an official structure. You were one of them, what's the point of doing it this way?
“It is obvious that manufacturers like to win the world championship with the factory team. But in cases like this, where two drivers are very close, manufacturers cannot prefer their driver. Ducati was not able to help Bagnaia by favoring him, as that would have been negative. Very negative. The whole world would have criticized the choice, the action and the title. And a manufacturer like Ducati couldn't afford it. They made the right decision. I was sure they were right, I know them. They are very, very serious. »
You were responsible for rider safety in MotoGP: what do you do now?
“From 1993 to 2012 I was the IRTA drivers' delegate, then I moved to the FIM from 2013 to 2022 as FIM safety manager. When I left, the FIM asked me not to leave completely and offered me to do a few races as FIM Appeal Steward, which I accepted very happily. Subsequently, however, I collaborated with two companies in the field of circuit design. One for track design and the other for asphalt design. I still love this world. I just needed to slow down. »
What are the things that, in your opinion, could be improved in terms of pilot safety?
“Everything can be improved. And that's what we're here for. Before it was me, now it's Tome Alfonso, who does a good job. We talk often and, to be honest, it was my choice and I'm glad I chose it. »
Coming back to the end of MotoGP 2024, Bagnaia has won 11 Grands Prix compared to 3 for Jorge Martin. Do you think Pecco would have been a fair champion and maybe the scoring system should focus more on wins?
“In fact, Martin also won 9 sprints and the fact that sprints count for less than 50% of the points could also lead to criticism of the scoring system. But this is how points are awarded today and anyone, as a rider, who wants to win the world championship must always refer to this scale and not to a hypothetical scale. It can also be said that victory should be worth something more. But this also applies to Sprinting. My mechanic in 1982 told me: Franco, the first is the first and the second is nobody (laughs). I remember it like it was yesterday. »
What do you think of Marc Marquez’s season with the Ducati GP23?
“Marc is without a doubt an exceptional driver. He went through a very difficult period in his life and only exceptional pilots like him have the courage and the will to get through it by remaining in this environment. Marc deserves a lot of respect. And we should be proud of what he has done, what he is doing, and what he will do. »
Do you see Marc Marquez as favorite for the 2025 title on a Ducati GP25 like Bagnaia, or do you see your compatriot in the lead?
“It’s hard to say. It is certain that he will be among the protagonists even more than in 2024. There are very strong drivers who have learned to go very fast during these years of absence. He will have a difficult season (2025), but believe me, it will also be difficult for his opponents. He will be there. »
We see that KTM is in a major economic crisis, how do you think this will affect the championships? Because the Austrian brand is not only present in MotoGP, but also in many lower categories for young riders, such as Moto3 or the Red Bull Rookies Cup.
“I am very worried about KTM, who are going through a very difficult time, but fortunately they have Red Bull on their side to help them. They will come out of this crisis because they are very good. Fingers crossed it happens sooner than expected. »
What do you think about the tire pressure rule leading to penalties?
“MotoGP has technicians and experts who know what to do and how to do it. What they do is very good and I have confidence in their work. »
In 2027 there will be a big change with the new regulations, less displacement and the end of holeshots: are you optimistic that we will see better racing then?
“But yes, let’s go. You will see that this revolution will make MotoGP racing even better. They are already magnificent. MotoGP is led by Carmelo Ezpeleta and now his son Carlos, who have done an excellent job. If he is where he is today, it is thanks to them. The merit is certainly to collaborate with people at the highest level, such as at the FIM and the IRTA. But they are the coordinators of this fantastic group of people. »
Read the original article on Motosan.es
Jesus Sanchez Santos
MotoGP Franco Uncini
MotoGP Franco Uncini
MotoGP Franco Uncini
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