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The BMW revolution in Superbike started with Chris Gonschor. Last July the German company in fact entrusted the engineer with the role of technical director, thus having to chart the new path to follow. He is the brains of the project, while on the track it will be up to Toprak to take the M 1000 RR to success.
In the last year there has been no shortage of investments by the company, especially considering the birth of a MotoGP-style test team.
On the eve of the Phillip Island round we conducted a long interview with Gonschor, who returns to the Superbike World Championship after the experience shared at the time with Marco Melandi.
“The winter tests gave us important feedback – he began – we made a notable effort together with our riders and thanks to the contribution of the entire test team. We can have as many as eight bikes to focus on to collect data and make all the necessary comparisons. In this regard I think we have a well-defined technical direction to follow."
What type of work did you do?
“We adopted an aggressive approach because we needed an acceleration of our project and I think it showed. For the Superbike project we deployed our entire motorcycle and car departments, involving thousands of people in the continuous comparison of data. We focused on every single component, revising the bike in every detail. We worked on the chassis, then the electronics, then the aerodynamics and the engine."
What is the biggest step you have taken?
“There isn't just one step and I think it's difficult to answer this question. Last year the bike suffered a lot when exiting corners and with grip, but now we have managed to overcome the problems. The road is long, but we know what and where to intervene."
Many observers maintain that the problem with BMW is linked to Bosch electronics.
“We are very happy with our solution. My opinion is that we cannot compare too much, because it is difficult to compare with other manufacturers. Electronics are a bit like a puzzle, but in the end when you complete it it's something fantastic to see. To date, our bike is competitive, but the electronics are still the same. I'm sorry when everyone thinks that's the problem, but it's not."
Let's talk about Toprak: how much is he helping you in this development?
“We have four riders and each one is collaborating as best as possible to give their point of view. He is a great braker and he is helping us to perform in that area. Our goal is to make Toprak happy on the BMW. We don't want to give him a BMW that is a copy of the Yamaha, but a bike that makes him perform well without the previous weak points."
How far away is victory?
"I don’t know. However, I think we have all the ingredients needed to win, but we need patience and time to put everything together. In our working group we have riders who speak a different native language from each other and this is an aspect to consider. I don't know when we will win, but as I said we have all the ingredients we need."
The Panigale is the benchmark bike of the category. Some consider it a road-going MotoGP bike. Is that the direction BMW wants to follow?
“The direction is defined by what the regulations are. We have our own philosophy and it is within the standards set by the regulations that we move to have a strong and competitive motorbike, allowing us to satisfy all our customers.
Gigi Dall'Igna revolutionized the Ducati world with his ideas, including wings and much more. What do you think?
“I am someone who appreciates innovations obviously in relation to what the regulations allow us to use. I think the goal is to grow and be more performing. Dall'Igna? I am certainly in favour of innovation and growth, in fact I appreciate this type of mentality dedicated to continuous experimentation. In the end, stopping means slowing down and not moving forward.”
