Sete Gibernau still looking to master electronics

Sete Gibernau has told MCN that he is still trying to adapt to the huge increase in electronics since he last raced in MotoGP in 2006.

 

The Spaniard spent the majority of the last test session in Sepang working through a raft of different electronic settings on the Onde 2000 Ducati GP9.

 

Gibernau, who won nine premier class races before he decided to retire at the end of 2006, said electronics had transformed MotoGP since he rode the 990cc Ducati Desmosedici three years ago.

 

“Since I last raced, it is a whole new ball game. I need to learn in terms of what I need for engine braking, the idle in the middle of the corner, and on acceleration what amount of anti-spin I need.

 

Coming from the two-stroke 500 and 990cc four-stroke era, Gibernau said the biggest area he needs to improve is acceleration. Having honed his throttle control on bikes that needed finesse and precision, electronics sometimes are proving more of a hindrance than help.

 

“Under acceleration I need to be more in control myself so I can spin it a little bit more and be able to turn the bike. I just need a tiny bit of wheelspin to help me turn.

 

“Looking at the 250 guys they are really leaned over in the corner and looking out of the corner at the exit. I’m not comfortable with that. I try to get to the apex and try and create a bit of wheelspin to help it turn.

 

“The moment you get a bit of wheelspin though the traction control kicks in and you lose any momentum, “said Gibernau, who spent a lap in pursuit of Loris Capirossi to try and gain some knowledge in Malaysia.

 

He added: “I need to understand the points where the guys are faster and I can see I’m stopping too much in some places and in some other places I’m trying to gain in the wrong area.

 

“These guys are very determined. They brake, go into the corner and exit very quickly. They do everything in a very short space of time and I’m still taking too long. They are precise and I’m not.”