MotoGP – Harald Eckl: OJ could compete in the German Grand Prix –

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Harald Eckl: OJ could compete in German Grand Prix

MotoGP - Harald Eckl: OJ could compete in the German Grand Prix -

Following his feat in Shanghai, can Olivier Jacque count on a third Kawasaki during the season? Moto-Net put the question to Harald Eckl, boss of the Kawasaki team in MotoGP. Interview.

Following Olivier Jacque’s great race on Sunday in Shanghai (read and), many would have liked to see the Frenchman find an official handlebars in the premier class, which he had left after his contract with Gauloises Yamaha end of 2003 (read and).

Asked by Moto-Net, the boss of Kawasaki Racing Team Eckl suggests that things are unfortunately not so simple but still foresees that Olivier can participate in other races after the return of Hofmann, injured and unavailable for the Grands Prix of China and France (read) … Interview.

Moto-Net: After Olivier Jacque’s performance in China, do you plan to give him a third bike alongside Nakano and Hofmann ?
Harald Eckl: No, it is not planned that we will enter a third machine for the remainder of the 2005 season … That said, after Le Mans, I do not rule out the possibility that Olivier Jacque could ride alongside Shinya Nakano and Alex Hofmann on some races.

Moto-Net: Which ones ?
Harald Eckl: The German Grand Prix at Sachsenring on July 31 is a very high probability because Olivier has always done well on this circuit. But let’s wait a little longer…

Moto-Net: How do you explain the fact that Olivier Jacque, without handlebars for more than a year, can suddenly come second, less than two seconds behind Rossi ?
Harald Eckl: Olivier had a fantastic race in China in very difficult conditions, thanks to a combination of several factors: the smoothness of his driving style, his will to do well, the characteristics of the new Kawasaki big bang engine and the very clear improved Bridgestone rain tires. This set of factors, perfectly adapted to the weather conditions, enabled Olivier to fight with daggers drawn during the race. It was great, both for Olivier and for Kawasaki !

Moto-Net: As a team manager, do you think that the motivation of the rider is the most important factor, before the bike itself, its settings or its tires? ?
Harald Eckl: Motivation of the rider is essential, but the most motivated rider in the world cannot win races if the bike, set-up and tires are not competitive. At MotoGP level, the race is a real collective effort: the team must ensure that the bike, the tires and the settings are competitive while the rider must be motivated to give the best of himself. And as Olivier proved in China, when the two elements come together, anything becomes possible.

Moto-Net: While competing in his 100th Grand Prix, Shinya had to retire due to an electrical problem. What exactly happened? Will the problem be solved for Le Mans ?
Harald Eckl: Shinya was sidelined shortly after the start due to water seeping into the electronic components of his motorcycle, which resulted in an ignition failure on one of the cylinders. We have now clearly identified the cause and we no longer expect any problems at Le Mans.

Moto-Net: Is riding a Bridgestone a way for Kawasaki to position itself as a challenger against favorites equipped with Michelin ?
Harald Eckl: Our goal is to ensure the best possible results on every race. When we start a race, it’s to beat everyone who is on the track and not just those who use the same tires as us, even if it’s always nice to finish a race being the best. classified of Bridgestone. The tire war has hardened this year, particularly between Bridgestone and Michelin. But I’m pleased to see that Bridgestone has made great progress this season, both in slick tires and, as we saw in China, in wet tires. Their commitment to MotoGP is second to none and they are determined to fight against Michelin. It’s good for us and it’s good for all the teams wearing Bridgestone !

Moto-Net: Do you plan to win more podiums this year? Have you already identified the circuits on which the Kawasaki will be competitive? ?
Harald Eckl: We’re not in MotoGP just to make up the numbers! Of course we will be looking for other podiums this year! We have a new engine, but we still have to assimilate its full potential because the development has been very short. With more experience, more development time and more set-up, I’m sure we can get more podiums in the season. Certain circuits of the 2005 calendar are particularly suited to the characteristics of the Ninja ZX-RR and the specificities of the Bridgestones … But I prefer not to tell you which ones! What is certain is that on several other circuits this year we will be fighting for the podium. Even for victory…

Interview by Eric MICHEL – Photos DR and Eric MICHEL

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