Q:
You were there in the 500cc category, then the 990cc
MotoGP stage, and now 800cc. How do you see the world championship right now?
Kazuhiko Yamano:
I understand well the change made to four-stroke engines, because four-stroke engines are more environment-friendly. And the subsequent change to 800cc is also easy to explain, as it was done to improve safety for the riders.
Q:
What is your opinion on traction control?
Kazuhiko Yamano:
I think what's most important is the riders' safety, so if traction control was introduced to improve that aspect, I understand why it was done.
Q:
Last year,
Bridgestone was visibly one step ahead of Michelin, and some teams changed their supplier for 2008. Honda and Hayden won the 2006 world championship with the French brand, and decided to stay with them. Is the team satisfied with its tyres right now?
Kazuhiko Yamano:
I'm very happy. The overall performance of Michelin is very good. I don't know for sure what happened last year, as I was not team manager, but this year we've often met to discuss opinions and right now we're doing a good job together.
Q:
Can you tell us anything about the new (pneumatic valve) engine?
Kazuhiko Yamano:
Our job is to provide a machine that is capable of winning. It doesn't matter what valves it uses, whether pneumatic or standard. We try to produce machines that win races, and continue to work on both options to meet this goal.
Q:
Who do you think is in a stronger position to fight Honda for the championship: Ducati or Yamaha?
Kazuhiko Yamano:
Both are very strong, they have bikes that perform very well, and both have very good riders in their teams.
Q:
Fuel tank size is currently limited to 21 litres. What problems does this create?
