Unveiling the Trending Technique in MotoGP 2024: Exploring ‘Videometry’
MotoGP’s Best Kept Secret: Videometry Revolutionizing Lap Time Improvements
In the cut-throat world of MotoGP where every millisecond counts, riders are constantly seeking any advantage to enhance their lap times. Enter videometry – a technique that has become a game-changer for many riders on the premier class grid.
Originally introduced several years ago, videometry has evolved into an indispensable asset for MotoGP teams. In fact, by 2024, all teams in the premier class will have their own dedicated videometry technicians or coaches.
The concept behind videometry is simple yet powerful. It involves recording specific points on the track, particularly during curves, while observing predetermined benchmark riders’ speeds. These recorded images are then superimposed using advanced software to reveal different racing lines employed by each rider.
This technology allows other riders to closely study and imitate the racing line of these benchmark riders with great precision and accuracy. The impact of this methodology is especially significant when comparing riders who ride similar bikes.
Serge Andrey deserves credit as one of the pioneers in applying video technology to improve racing lines. While working with Ducati in 2010, he developed his own software since no such tools were available at that time for overlaying moving line images.
Andrey’s expertise did not go unnoticed and LCR Honda hired him in 2014 with hopes of enhancing Stefan Bradl’s performance. Later on, when Cal Crutchlow joined LCR Honda in 2015, the videometry department further expanded. It even grabbed the attention of none other than Marc Marquez, who at that time was the star rider for the official Honda team.
Meanwhile, Suzuki also embraced this technique and enlisted Motohiko Tono as their own video engineer. Leveraging advancements in recording software capabilities, Tono successfully adapted and implemented videometry within their team. His accomplishments caught Honda’s eye, which promptly recruited him to establish their own dedicated videometry department.
However, things didn’t go according to plan for Honda as Marquez preferred sticking with LCR’s Andrey rather than shifting to Tono’s expertise. This decision solidified Andrey’s position within LCR and led to offers from Marquez himself to either join Gresini or purchase his secret software developed over years of refinement.
Tono eventually found a new role within Suzuki through Francesco Munzone – another skilled technician previously working as a performance engineer for the Hamamatsu-based team.
Munzone offers insight into how videometry works: “Basically we record riders’ performances at specific sections of the track,” he explains. “Then we overlay these recordings to analyze different techniques employed by each rider. By doing so, riders can identify areas where they may be lacking or could improve.”
Videometry has come a long way since its rudimentary beginnings. Nowadays there are various user-friendly software programs available – both free and licensed – eliminating the need for an engineer specifically assigned for this task alone. Consequently, teams have introduced image recorders/editors and dedicated videometry coaches instead.
The Growing Influence of Videometry
Videometry’s influence continues to expand within MotoGP teams. In 2019, Yamaha hired video expert Daniel Bollini to capture and edit footage. Additionally, team leaders such as Wilco Zeelenberg actively engage in analyzing the videos for further improvements.
As we delve into the future of MotoGP, it becomes clear that videometry is no longer a hidden secret but an essential tool for riders looking to gain every possible advantage over their opponents. With its ability to unlock the secrets behind optimal racing lines, this technology has revolutionized lap time improvements – ultimately separating winners from the rest of the pack.