During a MotoGP™ race weekend there is rightfully plenty of focus on the incredible riders on track, but their breathtaking speed, overtaking and heroic achievements are only made possible thanks to the efforts of their teams.
Each rider has a MotoGP™ pit crew of mechanics, data engineers, crew chiefs and more, and the roles they play are crucial.
But what do MotoGP™ mechanics do? They help prepare, maintain and repair the bikes, so that riders can perform safely and at the highest level.
In this article, we’ll examine the roles of mechanics, their responsibilities and answer the question ‘what does a MotoGP™ crew do?’.
What Is A MotoGP™ Mechanic?
In MotoGP™ a mechanic is the hands-on technical expert who makes sure the bike is ready to perform across a MotoGP™ race weekend.
This means assembling, adjusting and maintaining all of the MotoGP bikes’ components and working closely with the team’s engineers and crew chief.
The mechanics implement changes requested by the crew chiefs and data engineers to optimise the bike set-up, making sure everything is configured in correct working order.
The Main Responsibilities Of MotoGP™ Mechanics
Here are some of the main jobs that MotoGP™ mechanics do:
Bike Preparation Before Sessions
A key part of the work of a MotoGP™ team mechanic is ensuring the bike is maintained in peak condition before it needs to be used.
They need to clean, check all the relevant components and test the settings, closely inspecting the brakes, wheels, suspension, chassis, fairings, handlebars, dashboard and other key parts of the bike.
They also carry out specific safety checks to ensure the bikes comply with the regulations that keep MotoGP™ riders safe.
Mechanics also need to prepare and tweak the bikes for both the riders’ specific preferences and the track and conditions of the upcoming race.
Garage Work During Practice And Qualifying
Practice sessions are a busy time for the mechanics. Riders will provide feedback to the crew based on the bike’s performance, so mechanics have to be able to make snap decisions and implement changes just as rapidly.
The same goes for replacing any parts that are failing or showing signs of wear and tear, keeping a particular eye on anything that might affect the safety of the bike.
Race Day Responsibilities
On race day, MotoGP™ mechanics need to do final checks on the bike before the riders line up on the grid, making sure fuel levels are right, electronic systems are working correctly, and much more.
They also need to prepare a back-up bike so that the rider can quickly swap over during the Sprint or Grand Prix, in flag-to-flag races, or if the rider crashes and damages their main bike during Warm-Up.
Mechanics need to be able to manage both their time and their stress levels on race day, because so much depends on their ability to do their job quickly and efficiently.
Post-Session Inspections And Rebuild Work
After each session, mechanics conduct inspections and perform any necessary repairs to brake systems, wheels, chassis, suspension and other components.
They also need to report any mechanical issues to the engineers, who can analyse the data and determine what needs to be changed ahead of the next race.
After the Sunday Grand Prix race it’s time for the mechanics to start their own preparations for the next event, dis-assembling the bike and packing it away in peak condition.
What Happens During a MotoGP™ Pit Stop or Bike Swap?
MotoGP™ doesn’t typically have the same kind of pit stops seen in F1, but bike swaps can happen. So what is a MotoGP™ mechanic’s role in this situation?
These take place during ‘flag-to-flag’ races, where a race has been declared as wet before the start, or if white flags are shown during the race because it has started to rain. White flags mean riders can change bikes.
The mechanics will have prepared a second bike - set for the wet conditions - ahead of the race and their job during it is to make sure the swap goes safely and quickly.
MotoGP Mechanics Vs Engineers Vs Crew Chief: Who Does What?
The MotoGP™ team roles start with the overall leadership and oversight of the operation, which comes from the team principal, while the crew chief works with the rider to ensure that the bike and garage are set up to their needs and preferences.
The engineers are responsible for analysing all the data that comes from the bike, evaluating its performance and recommending changes that can help optimise it. Then the work of the mechanics comes into play.
Tools, Parts, And Technology Mechanics Work With
MotoGP™ bike maintenance is the bread and butter of what mechanics do, but what parts are they actually using to do their job? They’re working with tools and technology like:
- Carbon brakes and brake systems - Ultra-lightweight and high-performance braking systems that mean riders can stop quickly and safely at high speeds.
- Wheels and tyres – keeping wheels well maintained and controlling tyre temperature and pressure are an essential part of being a MotoGP™ mechanic.
- Suspension components - Springs, dampers and shock absorbers are all key to helping the riders stay in control of their bikes.
- Aero parts and bodywork – MotoGP bikes have precisely-designed aerodynamics and mechanics carefully take care of fairings to achieve the right results.
- Electronics components - Modern bikes have electronics to assist with engine power, traction control, etc and these all need careful calibration.
How Mechanics Handle Pressure And Avoid Mistakes
MotoGP™ mechanics have a lot to do before, during and after each race, and are under immense pressure throughout to avoid any mistakes.
This means composure is just as important as knowledge and skills. They need to be thorough and organised, following strict checklists before and after each session to ensure all their tasks are completed.
Communication with engineers, crew chiefs, riders and their fellow mechanics is essential, and experience is important too, helping mechanics develop a muscle memory for these pressurised tasks.
How to Become a MotoGP™ Mechanic
Now we’ve answered the question of ‘what do MotoGP™ mechanics do?’, if you want to pursue a career like this, there are some clear roadmaps that can get you there.
Having a background in motorsport or motorcycle mechanics is a good start, as is building up experience in lower categories like Moto3 or Moto2, or junior and national championships.
If you can build up a solid reputation as a reliable mechanic who is skilled, calm and a good communicator, maybe you would be a MotoGP™ mechanic one day!
The efforts and expertise of MotoGP™ mechanics help to make this the most exciting sport on earth. They keep the bikes going at optimum performance, while also keeping the riders safe and getting all of it done under huge pressure.
If you’ve enjoyed reading about them, why not have a look at some more of our MotoGP team profiles and the technology behind the bikes?