Pete Benson:
It was complicated. I think Nicky didn't adapt particularly well to the 800cc's. The 990cc's were much better suited to his style and it took him some time to get used to the demands of the new engine capacity. He didn't really need any special motivation. He didn't need anyone to tell him to do this or that, he found his own motivation. He didn't need anyone to do that for him. But of course it was difficult trying to recover after the first four or five races. Or, for example, in Phillip Island, where he was riding very fast and the engine broke down. It's the worst thing that could have happened, because he was in a position to climb back on the podium.
Q:
The pre-season and the start of the new season in Qatar were not easy, but since
Jerez the results have started to arrive. What do you think of the 2008 Repsol Honda RC212V?
Pete Benson:
The bike we have now seems to be performing well. We had a lot of problems during the pre-season and did not do a particularly good job during this year's training sessions. I think we missed out on aspects which were very important, and did not get off to a very good start. But now the bike seems to be performing well, and I reckon that if Honda manages to improve the engine a bit more, we'll have a very good bike.
Q:
What would you say is the worst nightmare for a
MotoGP team during a grand prix?
Pete Benson:
Not being on the podium every week!
Q:
How has the job of a mechanic changed with all the technological development?
Pete Benson:
The electronic side is what has changed the most, though the job of a mechanic isn't too different to what it has always been. The thing is that electronics now play an important role in the adjustments to the bike, and ten years ago it didn't exist. The mechanical part hasn't changed that much, just the telemetrics, responsible for fuel injection, which have become a very important part of all this.
Q:
You have worked with champions such as Doohan, Rossi, and Hayden. What separates world champions from the rest?
Pete Benson:
The riders who have won a world title on a number of occasions, like Doohan or Rossi, have incredibly strong willpower. I think this is the most important quality. They are very strong, mentally speaking. There is always a degree of luck involved in every championship, but you basically win a championship by being constant and fast every week, finishing on the podium in almost every race. What's more, Valentino and Mick wouldn't worry about what anyone said about them, or about what was happening around them. I think the key quality is mental strength, much more important than physical condition or the bike. Willpower is the main difference and is what sets a rider apart.
Q:
Several new young and talented riders have arrived in MotoGP this year. Is it now easier to adapt to the premier class? Do you think the level of competition in MotoGP has risen this year?
Pete Benson:
It's too soon to say if the level has risen in the category. It's probably easier now for the 250cc riders to adapt due to the greater control they currently have over the power of their bikes, but Dovizioso or Lorenzo are very talented riders. Though I think we should wait two or three races more to see if the level of the category has really changed that much, though in my opinion, as the season progresses we'll probably have the same riders as last year, and maybe a couple more who might have options. It may be tighter, but I don't think the level has risen that much.
