Since October 2009 Altran has been the “Official Partner of BMW Motorrad Motorsport”, advising BMW with regard to technical innovations and new developments which provide motorcycling with a particularly critical edge. This partnership has made it possible to talk to the BMW racing motorcyclist Marco Melandri. He is one of the factory motorcyclists of BMW Motorrad Motorsport in the Superbike World Cup. Born on 7 August 1982 in Ravenna, the Italian changed from Yamaha to the Munich racing team this season.
In 1997, Marco Melandri started in the 125-cc class of the motorcycle world championship for the first time, winning the Dutch TT already in his debut season. In the 2002 season, aged 20, he was the youngest rider in history to win the World Cup in the 250-cc class with Aprilia.
Of the 207 starts in the motorcycle World Cup Marco Melandri, 22 resulted in victories, 62 in podium positions; he had nine pole positions and 16 fastest racing laps. Since the 2011 season he has been driving in the Superbike World Cup, winning four victories as well as 15 podium positions and successfully ranking second in the overall placings already in his debut season. Also in the present season he is on the road to success, currently also ranking second in the overall placings.
How did you come to find a job with such a high fun factor? Has this always been a childhood dream of yours?
Marco: Yes, since as far back as I can remember motorcycling has been in my life. It was my passion and it was my dream to become a motorcycle rider, for sure. My dad used to race motorcycles just for fun, so I don't know if he was good or not! So the love of motorcycling has been in my family for a long time.
Would you say that motorcycle riding has changed since you took up the sport? (including technical advancements)?
Marco: Yes, it has changed a lot. There is much more money in the sport now and the race track atmosphere has changed. At the beginning the paddock was quite small and very familiar for that reason, now it is a lot bigger and is a lot more professional. There have also been a lot of technological changes with the bikes. The electronics have a much greater impact on the bikes than they did 10 years ago. For sure, the bikes are faster and safer now too. I can't think about a bike with no electronics, this development is unbelievable.
Which technical innovation has changed your riding experience and the performance of the motorcycle the most?
Marco: The greatest improvement would be electronics. Sure, chassis, motor and tyres have been modified but the electronics provide a completely different way to ride for the rider.
Are there already any ideas for future developments you are looking forward to?
Marco: No, I am not an engineer so I don't know where they can make the level go to in two or three years from now! As far as electronics are concerned, I leave it to the experts of BWM and Altran to surprise me with what they come up with. But I’m sure that they will create the best technical conditions to be right at the front at the next World Cup.
