MotoGP team manager: Why talent alone is no longer enough

The demands placed on a successful MotoGP rider have changed fundamentally over the past few decades. Whilst exceptional talent on the motorbike remains the most important prerequisite, it is by no means sufficient on its own in modern Grand Prix racing. Alongside physical fitness and meticulous collaboration with the engineers, commitments away from the racetrack are now also playing an increasingly important role.

Pablo Nieto, team manager of the VR46 Ducati team, has witnessed this development at first hand. The Spaniard grew up in the Grand Prix paddock as the son of 13-time world champion Angel Nieto, competed himself in the World Motorcycle Championship for many years, and now works on the other side of the pit.

“The sport has become increasingly professional. In the past, natural talent was enough to achieve exceptional results. That’s no longer enough,” Nieto noted during a panel discussion on MotoGP.com. “You have to be talented on the motorbike and work hard. You have to work closely with the team, but also away from the races.”

Pablo Nieto

Foto: Gold & Goose

MotoGP riders are top athletes and media professionals

Above all, the physical demands have increased enormously. Today’s MotoGP riders have long been following a training regime that is on a par with that of other top athletes. “The sport has become very physically demanding. You have to go to the gym, train on the motorbike, ride motocross and watch what you eat,” Nieto explains.

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LCR Honda team boss Lucio Cecchinello sees the same trend. The Italian, who was himself an active Grand Prix rider for many years, points to the younger generation of riders. “The sport has evolved. Talented riders like Manuel Gonzalez or David Alonso are proper athletes. They look like Olympians.”

Lucio Cecchinello

Foto: LCR

But fitness and riding skill are only part of the job description. As the sport becomes increasingly professional, riders are having to take on more and more responsibilities off the track as well. Communicating with engineers, dealing with the media and making appearances for sponsors are now an integral part of the job.

Countless hours on aeroplanes and at PR events

“Back in the day, all you had to do was ride a motorbike – that was it,” recalls Nieto. “Now you have to be a professional when dealing with the media, your engineers and the sponsors. A MotoGP rider has to set aside at least 20 days a year to attend sponsor and media engagements around the world.”

For the teams, their riders’ public image has long been an economic factor too. Sponsors expect not only sporting success, but also riders who represent their partners professionally. “If I have a rider who isn’t good at dealing with sponsors, then my sponsor might say they don’t like that rider,” explains Nieto. “We have to show the riders right from the start how important this aspect is.”

As a result, the ideal profile of a MotoGP rider has also changed. Pure natural talent can still form the basis for a great career. However, to establish oneself at the top in the long term, you now need the complete package: speed, physical fitness, technical understanding, discipline and professionalism – both on and off the track.

Am Sonntagvormittag müssen die MotoGP-Fahrer zur Parade

Foto: Gold & Goose