Espargaro’s Astonishing Turnaround at Austrian MotoGP: The Behind-the-Scenes Magic of Matteo Baiocco

MotoGP Video Breakdown: "Incredible his track vision. At times I think, 'That can't be real!'"

Aleix Espargaro: "Matteo Baiocco operates at a higher plane. His observations are astonishing."

Aleix Espargaro attributed his significant improvement during Saturday's Austrian MotoGP to the collective effort of the Aprilia team, highlighting the role of trackside insights and video reviews conducted by Matteo Baiocco.

Espargaro secured an unexpected fourth-place qualification, remarkably turning his fortunes around from being in last position due to two crashes during Friday's practice session.

The Spanish rider managed to leverage his advantageous starting spot into a third-place finish in the Sprint race, becoming the highest-placed non-Ducati rider at a track considered challenging for both him and the RS-GP.

"Afterwards, Espargaro remarked, “This has to be among the top Saturdays in my career.”

What led to this occurrence?

"Collaboration is key. We performed well, particularly with Antonio [Jimenez, crew chief] leading," Espargaro said.

"We made significant modifications to the bike, shifting the rider's weight slightly towards the rear."

"I modified the initial chicane – shifting from first to second gear, after watching numerous clips featuring Baiocco."

Numerous former racers, including Baiocco, who has experience as a World Superbike competitor and a test rider for Aprilia MotoGP, have transitioned into coaching roles. However, what distinguishes the 40-year-old Italian is his additional role in performing video analysis for the team.

Espargaro believes it's an impressive pairing.

"Matteo truly stands out as a key figure in our team," Espargaro expressed. "Over the past three years, the progress he's made and the support he's provided – I believe to Maverick as well – especially in how we collaborate on starts and analyze videos together, has been invaluable."

"It's incredible what he's able to observe on the racetrack. There are moments when I think, ‘That can't be possible!’"

"I have immense faith in him. When he instructs, 'Go touch that white line,' I follow without hesitation. Even if it leads to a crash, it's worth it because his vision is extraordinary. It's likely a key reason for this success."

Every MotoGP team employs video analysis techniques, including superimposing videos of their racers navigating specific sections of a circuit over shots of competitors’ bikes, to pinpoint areas of improvement and advantage.

The specific methodologies of analysis employed and the types of information they can derive from images, videos, and audio recordings of others are kept strictly confidential. However, the sophistication of these techniques has advanced to a point where, starting in 2027, all teams have consented to freely exchange GPS information.

To put it differently, it's recognized that sharing GPS information serves as a more cost-effective and simpler method to collect the same data that can be obtained through intricate video analysis.

"Competition in MotoGP is incredibly close," Espargaro, a three-time MotoGP champion, added. "The standards are extremely high. We're hitting top speeds right from the first practice. Therefore, every little detail counts."

Analyzing data, which includes not only video but telemetry as well, is astonishing in terms of what current technology enables. It's beyond belief – truly remarkable!

"Besides that, from a personal standpoint, Matteo Baiocco stands out significantly."

"He takes to the circuit and within a single session, he's able to observe all the gear selections made by everyone. He witnesses things that are astounding."

Occasionally, I mention to Jorge [Martin], 'You're unique in taking that turn in third gear.' He then responds, 'Really? How are you aware of that? A few of my buddies at Ducati, who have access to my performance data, aren't even in the know!'

"I mention, 'Due to Baiocco witnessing it!' Hence, our team in Aprilia is incredibly robust and it's beneficial."

Martin, who is in the midst of a battle with Francesco Bagnaia for the 2024 championship, is set to leave Pramac Ducati and fill the spot left by Espargaro at Aprilia in the upcoming season. This change comes as the 35-year-old Espargaro plans to retire and transition into a role focusing on testing and participating in selected races for Honda.

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