Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1219692
IN THE WIND P56 as we were aware of the serious- ness of the outbreak. But at this time the most important thing is the safety of the people, and we have to respect the decision made by the local authorities and by the MotoGP officials. "It's a delicate and strange time for everyone around the world and we need to take things race by race at the moment and see what develops in the coming weeks." Rider reaction has understand- ably been one of disappointment. Valentino Rossi expressed what many were feeling by saying, "It's really bad news. Such a pity. After a winter spent training, we were ready to start the season, both physically and psychologically. Af- ter the test in Qatar I really wanted to start with the first race. "The MotoGP class cancella- tion for Qatar is difficult news to take, also for the fans, because now we do not know how long we will have to wait before we can start racing. It is certainly a long time, considering the next GP in Thailand has been post- poned for all classes. I hope everything will get better in the next weeks." Another issue to consider is lo- gistics, with some personnel from Italian teams Ducati and Aprilia unable to enter Qatar to help pack their equipment, which is already at the Losail International Circuit following the MotoGP test, and send it on to the USA. And even then the possibility of further cancellations remain. How will the USA view a sudden influx of personnel from infected areas such as Italy ahead of the Grand Prix of the Americas on April 5? Dorna is now prepared to see how the situation develops. As Brivio mentioned, they will need to "take things race-by-race." But judging by the speed of last weekend's developments, we may well know for sure whether the MotoGP contingent will resume hostilities around Austin's curves on April 5 sooner than "the coming weeks." Neil Morrison Scooter Brakes T hroughout testing in the second half of 2019, a selec- tion of MotoGP riders began to sample a rear "scooter-style" brake on their left handlebar placed just above (or below, depending on rider preference) the clutch. The benefit is to allow riders to apply it when at full lean angle in right turns when the foot is at an angle that isn't conducive to standing on a foot-operated lever. Rossi had described the scooter brake as "the future" af- ter testing it at Misano last year. That trend has now spread to Moto2, with as many as eight riders using the device at the first round. Some, like Jorge Martin are still adapting. "For now, it's more like a decoration," he said. "But I'm trying to use it more." Jorge Na- varro was the same. "My brain is pro- grammed that when I brake, I go with the foot. I have to change this, but it takes time." American Roberts is one of the few that has taken to it natu- rally. "It was like every time I told my foot to do something, it didn't really do it like I want it to. So, we decided to go for the hand [operated rear] brake. I got in- spiration from the MotoGP guys. We decided to try it in the test in Jerez, and I didn't ask them to take it off. It works great. You have better feel with your hand, in my opinion." Neil Morrison Hand brakes appear to be getting more popular in MotoGP. PHOTO: GOLD & GOOSE