Review: MotoGP Evolution of a Species
If you want a DVD that is just packed with technical insight and motorcycling jargon then "Evolution of a Species" is for you.
Delving under the fairings of all MotoGP manufacturers, this Duke DVD literally unearths what makes each machine tick.
Duke has achieved an unprecedented level of access to the most exclusive motorcycle paddock in the world. All of the big names are included in this DVD and what is even more impressive is they have been allowed to shoot in the garages and interview the crew chiefs.
These are the men that really make the MotoGP machines and riders gel, so bagging a technical interview with these guys is like finding the Holy Grail...
Although MotoGP is made up of a number of key players, "Evolution of a Species" also takes time to include the smaller manufacturers. They may have only dipped their toes in the MotoGP pool but their machine's development is also included, giving dedicated fans the chance to hear their story too.
It is actually refreshing to see the smaller teams that have made the effort to compete at this level as currently there aren't any equivalents, which is a real shame. KR, Ilmor, Moriwaki, Harris and Petronas are all included and given the exact same treatment as the main manufacturers.
MotoGP saw a lot of changes between 2002 and 2009 as the bikes went from 990cc to 800cc leading to big design changes across the grid. The story of each machine is told by crew chiefs, designers, riders and former riders, giving a well rounded account of the how each design change progressed the machine's development and allowed it to reach its current level of excellence.
With the likes of Mick Doohan, Freddie Spencer, Valentino Rossi and Max Biaggi giving their opinions, it does make for an informative production.
The DVD starts off suddenly, without so much as an introduction, and throws you straight into an interview with Ducati's Technical Director Filipo Preziosi and shots of the Ducati workshops. It is interesting to see behind the scenes of such an exotic machine and find out more about where it has actually come from.
Once Ducati has been dealt with the DVD moves swiftly on to Honda with an interview with Kazuhiko Yamano, Repsol Honda Team Manager, which is conducted in Japanese. Don't worry about that though, as subtitles help with the language barrier.
Each manufacturer has a graphics montage of the bike, charting its changes from 2002 to 2009, and the extras section is superb providing straight interviews with crew chiefs from all the main manufacturers.
There has been a lot of talk about the new Moto2 feeder class and "Evolution of a Species" includes a feature on this new class in the Extras section. It was interesting to see the bikes and get feedback from Kevin Schwantz and Jurgen van den Goorbergh.
Apart from one or two little niggles this is a superb DVD and any MotoGP fan will love to hear all the technical talk from their heroes.
Definitely worth a watch.
To view the Duke Video range of titles, visit www.dukevideo.com
As an added bonus, save 10 per cent on MotoGP Evolution of a Species by entering the discount code Crash at the checkout.
