Electronics in MotoGP are an emotive subject. They are blamed for driving costs ever higher, and for taking ever more control out of the hands of the riders. It was these factors that drove Dorna to push for the introduction of spec electronics, first through the introduction of a single ECU provided by Magneti Marelli, then the adoption of a single software platform used to control that ECU.
The rise in the use of electronics and the introduction of spec software have led to some confusion among race fans. Just what the software is capable of, and how much control the riders have over the software, is unclear to MotoGP fans, and to a large section of the media.
So to help clear that up, we had the opportunity at Brno to spend twenty minutes with Monster Tech 3 Yamaha rider Bradley Smith, who walked us through the electronics systems and their use. Smith is one of the more intelligent riders on the grid, and is able to explain complex subjects in clear and simple terms. In the first of a two-part interview with the 25-year-old Englishman, Smith tells us all about the electronics on his Yamaha M1, what they do, and how he sets them up.
Q: Bradley, talk us through the switchgear on your Yamaha M1?
Bradley Smith: Let's start on the left hand side. On the top of the left hand side is our launch control. Obviously we only ever use that at the start of races. Red flashing lights come up on the screen there, and basically that's when launch control is on. Launch control automatically switches itself off the first time you roll off the throttle. So it will remain on all the way down the straight until you roll off the throttle, then it's no longer in use. Won't be used again. Doesn't have any time or RPM restrictions.
Basically, it limits RPM. You set the RPM level based on the torque number you want for the amount of power you want to move forward. You then map it in first and second gear. You can do it in third gear, but it's usually irrelevant by that point. Yeah, first gear, you either allow more RPM or less RPM, and then second gear is a case of more butterfly [valve controlling the air intake through the throttle bodies, equivalent to more throttle – MM], more torque or less torque. For example in Austria, at six hundred meters of altitude, we could allow more power, because there's less oxygen. Somewhere like Malaysia, where the heat's there, less power. But then somewhere like Qatar, you need to close the power down, or else you just add too much wheelie.
Q: Are there any really long runs to first corners where launch control is an issue?
BS: No, because you just short shift. So you'll get to second, and if you feel you need more power, you just click to third. So, like at Mugello, when you start, you go from first to second, and then I just clicked to third really early this year, and that's when I passed everybody. Because everyone held it in second, whereas I just went to third, and the butterflies were at 100% power, so I just took off.
Q: So it can be a way of getting past people at the start sometimes?
BS: Normally, at most places we don't get out of second, so you're still in that wheelie phase. So it's more a case of throttle control, body control, and rear brake.
Q: How much different is that to last year?
BS: A little bit. Basically, last year we could start full throttle, wide open and have no worries. Whereas this year, we can't find the right balance. So we have a set throttle position that we can hold, and then we start from there. Otherwise we get a lot of wheelspin. So it's less sophisticated, in a nutshell.
Q: How much are you doing with the clutch yourself?
BS: A lot! You're managing it a lot. That's why we see so many different starts between everybody, because if it was so automatic, everyone would get the same start. But if you hit that sweet spot, you definitely go well. We're managing power input and wheelie, more than anything, all the way. And then once you release it, you're in second gear. So anything from zero to 100mph is controlled by you and by the clutch, potentially.
Q: Has the feel of the clutch changed along with the different seamless gearboxes? Was there a difference between conventional, seamless up only, and fully seamless?
BS: No. Just when you click to second gear and click to third gear, there's less cut from the engine. So basically, you go forward quicker when you go to second and third, because instead of getting the wheelie, it continues to go, it just hovers.
Q: Which engine map do you start with on your first lap?
BS: This is where we have weighed up the options depending on how the track conditions are and what the tire life is. Usually, we won't go with the qualifying option, usually we will already go with one step stronger TCS [traction control - DE], just to try to look after the tire and try not to destroy it in the first few laps. So that's where this comes on board. The ACC and DEC buttons, ACC we have three maps, DEC we have three maps. And you'll be able to see those on the display there, it says ACC and DEC and 1,2, and 3. Acceleration and deceleration.
Based on this, we can change anything from power to TCS. So if you think you need less power to not get wheelspin, or you need the power, like in Austria, to be able to drive once the spin stops. You basically have two options: either you think it's going to spin so much when the tire goes off that you can allow less power, or you know that it's only going to spin when you are on the side of the tire, like in Austria. So when you pick it up, you need the power there, so you keep the same power but add TCS. So it doesn't spin too badly, but then it goes forward.
Q: But you don't select that, you only select between predefined maps, and your job is to figure out when is the best time to switch between maps?
BS: So basically, you sit there, and you put the structure in with your team, you go, OK, I want switch 1 to be like this, switch 2 to be like this, switch 3 to be like this, and you should know, you should memorize them. So when you're riding it's up to you to go OK, I think now's the time to go to switch 2 and now's the time to go to switch 3.
At certain races, we never get there, at other races, I wish there was a switch 4, because you're going through them left right and center. Even in Austria, probably only for the final five laps, but I ended up in switch 3 on both ACC and DEC. Because as the tire drops, usually we only get one drop. But sometimes there's one drop, and then another drop. And there's sometimes when switch 1 is no good, the track has already changed so much from Moto2 and the heat, that you're already on switch 2 before you start. You've actually called it on the out lap and gone, man, I need to be on switch 2. So then you've only got a switch 3 to go to. So that's a negative.
So it all depends on the work you're doing with these guys, and where you decide is really critical. Some you say is to look after the tire, some you say is for performance. It all depends on what's relevant and what grip you think you've got at the time.
Q: Do you switch acceleration and deceleration maps at the same time?
In the race, yes, in qualifying and practice, no. Because you try and single it out in qualifying and practice. Basically, you started on such a wide spectrum that you actually then narrow it down.
So in the beginning, you go wide spectrum, and you say, OK I want to work on deceleration, and I want to work on acceleration, and you have different branches off of that. But then you go through and find out that doesn't work, that doesn't work, that doesn't work, so you end up in quite a Y. So then you know, if a tire drops, I need to go to there, and then there.
But it also depends where it drops, because sometimes at some racetracks, you get no drop in engine braking. There's no problem going into a corner, it remains consistent the whole race, and there's no reason to go there. But then there's other tracks where that goes first. Again, like in Austria, they kind of went hand-in-hand. I would say I went to deceleration before I went to acceleration, because going into the corner it was locking more, because of high braking from sixth down to first, you get a lot of back torque and that probably went the biggest, and then afterwards I went to acceleration. But it all depends on the racetrack. Sometimes it goes hand in hand, and sometimes it's completely different.
Q: Do you have a strategy for which lap you will switch maps, or is it feel?
BS: It's by feel. There are certain racetracks, like in Phillip Island, where you go, listen, just give me full power at the beginning because at least I can go. And then I'm not going to get drafted. Because sometimes there's that much grip at Phillip Island, if you went with the safety switch, you'd just get hammered in the first five laps, and then you lose three or four positions.
So sometimes it's also strategy to say, we go full power even if we lose a little bit of tire during that period. It will actually be better, because I stay four guys in front, rather than getting passed by them. You're in front, and you're managing the guys behind, rather than being behind and trying to go forward. I always prefer to be the guy in front, keeping the other guys behind, than having to pass. For me, it's easier to defend than attack in motorcycle racing. Attacking means you have to go over the limit, where defending means you can manage it quite well. If you do it smartly.
Q: Is that a question of instinct, that you prefer to defend rather than attack? It seems Márquez is the opposite? Márquez prefers to attack, whereas Lorenzo prefers to defend?
BS: I think it depends what bike you're on. The Yamaha doesn't attack very well against other manufacturers, like Honda, like Ducati. When I was behind Scott [Redding] I soon realized that as well. It's so difficult to make a pass, because the places where you are close, they're actually balking you, you can't actually get any advantage. You almost lose your strength.
Whereas the Honda, it seems to be you can just throw it there, throw it there, and still make the corner. You can send attacks left, right, and center. Whereas with the Yamaha, it's like, if I need to, I'm right at the limit. So I'd much rather be in front, then let go of the brake and flick into the corner and hopefully pinch off the guy, rather than thinking, I'm going to have to outbrake someone like Marc. So it's more down to the motorcycle than the rider character.
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Comments
Brilliant!
Thanks for that, a rare piece of moto journalism. Kudos too to Bradley Smith, a really interesting chap.
Enlightening
One question - in the last question, Bradley is of course explaining the nature of "his" bike and not the M1 as a whole, right? Because he makes it sounds like that with M1 you really can't win against a Honda (and Marquez)?
In reply to Enlightening by Sachin
Hi Sachin!
Hi Sachin!
No, I take it that he is talking about the state of affairs of all the bikes from each Manu (excluding the older Duc's out there as they are not congruent). But not "can't win" as much as "prefer to err on burning a bit of tire up in opening laps to get spots and defend." Just like it reads. Rossi needs to work on his comparably sluggish starts for the same reason.
@Dannyboy - No TC on these bikes? Tons of spin everywhere, slower, unmanageable, and...a bit fun? Even current Superbikes aren't much as rideable w/o electronics. Have you tried it? It is humbling.
In reply to Hi Sachin! by Motoshrink
Thanks
Thanks Motoshrink, don't really get to read something like this coming directly from a MotoGP racer. The best part for me was the way he explained how the launch control works at the start. Awesome.
Thank you!
Great read! So informative ... looking forward to part 2.
Love it
Love hearing about the technical stuff, so much we don't know about racing these bikes. Thanks David!
Bradley
Very informative and can't wait for part two.
Trina
Fantastic piece.
Fantastic piece.
A big thanks to Bradley for
A big thanks to Bradley for this.
David, You Beauty!
Ah, this is why I prefer motomatters over any blog on MotoGP. Never ceases to amaze me, the level of detailing and exclusives we get to read and of course, David it's a pleasure to read some well written prose. I'd buy you a beer if we ever cross paths.
BTW, you mentioned you had this interview just after Brno, which is a long time. So it got me thinking, "Is David saving up some good articles for the Winter break?" If so, I'm sure a lot of readers here will be happy to see them take us through the winter. Thanks for all the hard work David. You're our hero :)
Very Fun
Great stuff would love to get more behind the helmet stuff like this. It is rare that you can get this kind of detail from a racer directly. Love it.
Moto Brothers Podcast https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TBgLn6R5Z4
Great Article
Thanks David. This article, ones like it, and the pictures are the reasons I follow and support your efforts.
Another Question
Hopefully, in part two, he'll be asked what it would be like to have no electronic help at all. I know Casey Stoner sometimes just turned it off, although that was when it was all new and in it's infancy. Would simply leaving it to the wrist to seperate the men from the boys be acceptable or would this cause an unsafe condition? As an unqualified observer, i'd like to see nothing more than adjustable traction control. I hate to see it all become so user friendly that the importance of indivdual rider skill is diminished.
i hope magneti marelli keep
i hope magneti marelli keep the electronics as it is. not making it any more sophisticated. unless for safety reason.
factories will only search for mechanical improvement and independent teams will be more adapted to it.
can't wait for next year already!
very nice article, thank you.
I do wish however, that you would stop reminding/telling us how intelligent Mr Smith is. When I read it I am usually left with the impression that the rest of the grid are as thick as pig shit, which would surprise me. It is clear Bradley is very articulate and I like the way he describes techniques and technical detail without ego. May MM and Bradley continue with many more of these articles.
BRK?
I see this on pit boards quite often. What is it? Ask Bradley for us.
In reply to BRK? by quattrocchi
Alex Briggs tweeted that its
Alex Briggs tweeted that its a reminder to Rossi for a map setting change. Engine braking?
In reply to BRK? by quattrocchi
BRK
BRK is to change an engine braking mapping, as Alex Briggs tweeted. That is what a lot of the more enigmatic pit board messages are about, about switching engine mappings.
Trow it there trow it there
That was what mm Said a long time ago : the honda isnt bad as everybuddy think it is. About the M1 and attack i dont see VR have much trouble as the M1 has it own strengths it brakes good and has good traction so i think in that case BS must be talking much for him self. At least thats what i can see and what i think.
good read
very good read , more of this pleace in the winter :D
EXCELLENT INFO
2 questions:
1, do they adjust the RPM limit for launch based on the sighting lap, warm-up lap, or based on similar conditions they practiced in?
2, Any idea on the 1/4 mile times/speeds of the MotoGP bikes?
In reply to EXCELLENT INFO by joonyaboy
Launch RPM limit
1. RPM limit is adjusted based on previous data and from test starts in practice, I believe.
2. No, but they would be surprisingly disappointing. MotoGP bikes are geared incredibly high, so launch times / 1/4 mile times would be slow. First gear is often geared for around 160 km/h. If you are using first gear twice a lap for 25 laps, it's more important it's geared for the corners you use it, rather than the single time you use it from the start line.
In reply to Launch RPM limit by David Emmett
160km/h
160km/h in first is about what a current street superbike is geared for. I recall the ZX10R from a few years ago was geared for 165km/h in first.
Smart advantage
Super! Only I missed something. Answering your first question Smith says Launch Control is never to be used again, does not have any time or RPM restrictions. Then next paragraph he continues: Basically it limits RPM. Would you care to refine it a bit, this answer. By "it has no RPM restrictions" does Bradley mean the rider or mechanics can set it to ANY RPM deemed appropriate for the circumstances?
Enlightening article. The riders have so much to do now, riding is a proper multitasking job now. Do you think smart riders have now an advantage? If yes, then it also mean the advantage will be more exaggerated in the future?
In reply to Smart advantage by crankophile
Time or RPM restrictions
What I understood is that launch control is used at the start. It limits RPM in the first 2 gears, and switches off the first time you roll the throttle off. Launch control doesn't respond to any other factors, such as time or a particular RPM. If you took the bike to a long straight road, started off and held the throttle open in the first two gears, launch control would stay on until you backed off the throttle. And yes, RPM can be set to whatever the engineers think is the right value. That might be 12,000 RPM, or it might be 16,000 RPM, depending on the track, and the run to the first corner.
Power vs. oxygen
I find this a bit confusing, -"For example in Austria, at six hundred meters of altitude, we could allow more power, because there's less oxygen."
Surely that must be a misquote? You don't get more traction because you have less oxygen. The engine will make less power though. Maybe you (he?) meant that you can allow more RPM or throttle because there's less oxygen?
In reply to Power vs. oxygen by eckeph
Re: Power vs Oxygen
I think what he meant was that you can use a larger throttle opening, that you need to restrict power less, because there is naturally less power due to the altitude. That's my interpretation, anyway.