Baker's Dozen: Qatar MotoGP

Phil Baker worked with MotoGP world champion Nicky Hayden (2004-10) and race winner Chris Vermeulen (2007-10) before setting up his own company, SA 1 Management.

The US-based Brit then managed Factory Yamaha MotoGP star Ben Spies and now works with reigning Moto2 world champion Stefan Bradl, who is stepping up to MotoGP this season with LCR Honda.

Got a question for Phil? Post your questions for the next installment of Baker's Dozen within the comments section below...

1. Q:
What were your main impressions from the opening round?

Phil Baker:
My main impression was that the whole paddock seemed relieved to be back racing after such a long time off. Sure, the paddock loves the break, but 5 months off followed by 7 months flat out seems a bit crazy and we should look to extend the season more and make it somewhat less packed. The other main impression was the long faces outside Ducati, which was a bit shocking given that this is the first race of the year.

2. Q:
Are you a fan of the night race? Should there be more of them?

Phil Baker:
I'm a total fan. I went out to the infield with Lucio Cecchinello and you can get really close to the edge of the track and look into the riders eyes. This is the race where the cameras are at their busiest because all the sponsors use these shots throughout the year as their logos pop out that much more. It would be great if there were more, but one of the top journalists told me last year that there was enough lighting around the track to light a dual carriageway from Doha to Moscow! That's a lot of lights and a serious electricity bill!
3. Q:
What's your take on the Rossi-Ducati situation? Where do they go from here?

Phil Baker:
I've worked closely with Ducati when Nicky first moved to them from Honda, and they are a great group of people. Very passionate and very motivated to get the best results. What is currently happening is the worst thing possible, both for Vale and Ducati. However, I truly believe that Vale will get some good results this year and when he does, they will seem all the more special for him and his fans. They still have a massive amount of work to do and as the old saying goes 'first you have to beat your team-mate', so he needs to do that before the finger pointing can start.
4. Q:
Is Lorenzo now the 2012 title favourite or is it too early to say?

Phil Baker:
No. Not at all. Casey claimed that the bike was perfect for him and that the arm pump was what affected him in the latter part of the race. Jorge rode a fantastic race and timed his moves to perfection. For the European races, I still have Casey as the main man, but I would say that Pedrosa has now got the bit between his teeth and with confidence on his side, he could make this a three-horse race throughout the year.
5. Q:
If it comes down to a final round title showdown at Valencia between Lorenzo, Stoner and Pedrosa, who would you put your money on?

Phil Baker:
My money would be on Jorge. The support of the home crowd and also the fact that Yamaha would be in a position to give all to Jorge rather than splitting their allegiance between the two riders would play a role as well.

6. Q:
Were you surprised by the pace of the Tech 3 Yamahas, especially Crutchlow?

Phil Baker:
Not really. Herve Poncharal runs a very tight ship and I love the way that Yamaha pass over the bikes, which are basically the same as the factory bikes, to the satellite team. Cal has been itching to get on the 1000 since Qatar last year, and again, the clich? of beat your team-mate comes into play. He rode with great determination and confidence. He's in a fantastic frame of mind and has great attitude about this season. Go Cal! Keep it up!
7. Q:
It was a good MotoGP debut from Stefan Bradl at Qatar. Was he pleased and what did he learn?

Phil Baker:
It was a great first race of the year for Stefan. He exceeded everyone's expectations. After the first session, he was 1.8 seconds back from the front, but remember that the step up from Moto 2 and finding new braking marks etc is a lot of work. Rather than panic, he gradually chipped away and got the result he richly deserved.

He was naturally over the moon, but at the same time frustrated that he couldn't hold off Nicky and Bautista, but he wouldn't be a racer if he thought any differently.

As for what he learnt, it was huge. The most relevant point is that he now sees that the step from Moto2 to MotoGP is a huge one and that he is now racing with the best in the world. He knows that the whole year is a learning curve and he is going about it in a very methodical and professional manner.

8. Q:
What's Stefan like to work with and how does he compare with the other riders you've managed?
Phil Baker:
Stefan is very mature and intelligent for his age. He is a pleasure to work with and realizes that to have a manager means being managed. He listens and takes advice, which is similar to when I worked with Nicky.

Each rider is very different to the other, and each has different interests. Stefan is a realist yet has a passionate desire to be world champion. He knows that to achieve that goal is a learning curve that requires patience. He's so far started with full marks as far as I am concerned.

9. Q:
What do you think the top CRTs can achieve this year in terms of results?

Phil Baker:
Unfortunately, Qatar will be the norm for the season. The fact that Colin [Edwards] nearly beat Ben [Spies] is an exception and I still see the divide remaining significant. The tighter the track, the closer they will be, but still not enough to mix it up with the big boys.
10. Q:
There seems to be uncertainty over the 2013 Texas MotoGP round. How serious do you think it is?

Phil Baker:
The last any of us heard was the concern that Kevin Schwantz mentioned about the fact that the previous contract was with the former owner of the track, meaning that the track doesn't have a contract.

Kevin put a huge amount of work and effort into the whole project and was instrumental for the track even being considered as a venue for GP, so I feel for him on this. Since then, the only noises we have heard is about F1 and V8s - no mention of MotoGP.

Trying to sell tickets as early as a year in advance also seems a little optimistic to me as I would be very surprised if they get anywhere near capacity. I hope I'm wrong, but....!

11. Q:
Who, in your opinion, are the best young riders not yet in MotoGP?

Phil Baker:
Marc Marquez is an obvious and I can see him in orange for the next few years, but there are others kicking at his heels. Luthi, and Iannone are there, but I'm equally excited at a couple of the Moto3 guys and ex Red Bull Rookies. Danny Kent is one and Arthur Sissis another. Keep up the good work.
12. Q:
What are your predictions for round two of the season at Jerez?

Phil Baker:
I have to go with Jorge and Dani fighting it out down to the last turn with Casey just in the back ready to pounce on any mistakes, while the 200,000 Spanish fans go crazy!
13. Q:
How important is a strong start to the season for a rider mentally?

Phil Baker:
I think it is huge. Look at Dani over the last few years. He's had injuries in testing (and not in testing) which have slowed his start to the season. Having a clean bill of health and a good first result will do him a world of good, and changes my thoughts for the end of season championship standings, with him right up there with Casey and Jorge.