Conversation with GP mechanic Denis Pipelier
Mechanics are without a doubt the silent heroes of motorsport! They are handy guys who spend long days away from the sports lights to perfectly prepare their motorcycles. Of course, as a mechanic, especially in motocross, you should not be afraid to get your hands dirty. Being a GP mechanic also has its nice aspects. No one, apart from the drivers, experiences a Grand Prix as intensely as a mechanic. The men with the golden hands travel around the world and earn their living doing what they love most. But how do you get started, becoming a mechanic at the highest level? How does it feel to be on the podium after a Grand Prix victory? We asked Denis Pipelier (left in the photo). This friendly Frenchman lives in Belgium and is the mechanic for Jonathan Barragan at LS Honda Racing.
Many people want to know how to get to the highest level of the sport?
Denis Pipelier: “In France I raced at a fairly high level. I rode there for the Inters against men like Mickael Pichon and Pascal Leuret. I was quite good but unfortunately not good enough to make a living from motocross. It was unfeasible to continue racing at my level. On the one hand, you need excellent equipment to compete with super strong riders. On the other hand, my results were not enough to attract more sponsors. That's why I started looking for other options. I have always liked working on my bikes myself and I got an offer to work for a young Swiss in the European Championship, that was four years ago. Then it's up to you to deliver great work. Most people get jobs in the paddock through word of mouth. If you do it well, it will be noticed and you will be spoken to about it.”
Who did you work with for Jonathan Barragan?
Pipelier: “In 2009 I worked for another Swiss, Arnaud Tonus at HDI-KTM in the MX2 World Championship. It was his first World Cup season and he did well with several top ten places and in France he even finished fifth in one heat. After that, LS Honda Racing asked me to work for Tanel Leok. Tanel had a lot of bad luck that year, but he was still very strong. He won two motos, won the GP of Spain, eventually finished 6th in the MX1 World Championship and became Belgian vice-champion behind Steve Ramon. In 2011 I continued with Tanel at TM Racing, and now I am back at LS Honda Racing with Jonathan Barragan.”
Can you compare Jonathan Barragan to Tanel Leok?
Pipelier: “Yes quite a bit! They are both physically strong riders who never, ever give up. Jonathan may be technically a little stronger. They are also comparable in terms of their personalities. Probably Tanel is a bit quieter than Jonathan. Anyway, I really enjoy working with Jonathan. The basics of what you do as a mechanic are actually the same for every rider. But the relationship you have with your pilot and communication are crucial”
Does it help a mechanic if you have ridden motocross at a good level?
Pipelier: “Absolutely, because you have already experienced similar situations yourself. You can estimate lines on the track and you know how to motivate your pilot. If you manage to provide useful advice, this of course also improves the confidence that the rider has in his mechanic.”
What gives you the most satisfaction in your job?
Pipelier: “Winning of course! Together with Tanel Leok I won a GP at LS Honda Racing and that leaves me wanting more. Although personally I also get a lot of satisfaction when my rider gives everything and keeps going, regardless of the result. That is the best reward for my work. The opposite is if your rider doesn't feel like it and just muddles along. That's terrible! Fortunately, that is not the case with Jonathan (Barragan). Jonathan is 100% committed. Due to a hand injury, he was somewhat delayed in his preparation. He had some bad luck during the first two GPs, but he kept fighting until the end, despite his crashes. Hard work is rewarded, so I am sure the results will follow!”
Everyone could see in Valkenswaard and Sevlievo that the speed is there, but Jonathan did not feel comfortable with the setting of his suspension. Pipelier: "That's right. From Fermo we will return to our proven combination: Showa suspensions and the service will be followed by WV2 Racing Suspension and Willy Verstrepen. Jonathan has a good feeling with Showa, we have noticed that before. With Willy we have one of the most experienced suspension technicians in the GP paddock on board. That is a very positive evolution. Of course, this is not a magic formula that will make everything happen automatically. But I do think you will see a different Jonathan Barragan, with more confidence, in Italy this weekend. Last season he reached the podium in Fermo and I believe he has the speed to fight for the podium again.”
Photos: Ray Archer
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