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Andrea Grillini’s competitive activity, team manager of the teams that race in SBK with the Kawasaki ZX10R machines entrusted to Gianluca Vizziello and Dominique Schmitter, began about 20 years ago when the then-young Andrea raced out of pure passion with the 125 bikes in the various Italian trophies and championships, before embarking on his career as entrepreneur and coordinator for the various teams that he has managed.
With the World SBK championship at a standstill for the long holiday period, Grillini now sums up his team's situation and the environment in which he has worked for years, after the many experiences he has had in various championships: “As a boy, I raced too, but the results were not all that great, so I decided to set up my own organizations, with which I changed many categories, from 125GP to Moto2, from 600 Supersport all the way to Superbike. I also designed and built a MotoGP bike. Let's just say that there is very little I have not done... I have been in SBK for several years and so I am finding a situation for myself that I like very much.”
What do you like about today's SBK?
“First of all, this is a world championship and, if we consider Formula1 and MotoGP, this is the third most important championship. After us there is Nascar, Indycar, Gran Turismo, rally and motocross. We are in the best period ever in the history of this championship, but things will get better, thanks in part to the arrival of new riders.”
Do you like the format change with the two races divided over two days and do you think it is a good solution?
“For the teams, almost nothing has changed. Let's say that now there is more time to rest between one race and the next. For the fans, I noticed that that preferred day is Saturday, where people can meet the riders, the paddock is always full and there is a great atmosphere. In short, I am in favour of this formula and we'll see the results of it in the future.”
The gap between your riders and those on the official team is not huge, but it seems difficult to bridge. What are you lacking?
“I'll tell you straight away: first of all, the official KRT team is made up of 18 technicians and on my team, on the other hand, there are 6 of us, including myself in the garage to help out the mechs. They do a lot of tests and we do not. Technically, in terms of electronics, we are identical. Our engine has about 10 horses less than the official one, the frames are similar... but there are other important things missing.”
Which ones?
“In Japan they have people who conduct periodic tests and we do not. They also have two top riders like Rea and Sykes.”
Are you looking for a high profile rider then?
“Of course. I am working to have a top shelf rider, but it is not easy, maybe because they distrust us or maybe because we are underestimated. With a top 5 rider I would be able to demonstrate my good work and my team's, I'm sure.”
The “private” teams who have made SBK history are still afloat but struggling. What solution would you propose to save them?
“The advice I would give Dorna is to imitate, in some aspects, what you see in MotoGP. Protect the teams that are already on the inside and do not accept any new ones. But not because I am not in favour of having new teams. I say that only because, with long-term media agreements, our efforts would be more evident and the continuity would attract the sponsors. Obviously, on the contrary, the teams that already participate would work hard to stay in without looking for new shores. The quality of the work would also improve.”
Would you improve anything else in SBK?
“Our paddock is great, as well as the hospitality areas and there is a lot of interesting entertainment. In terms of image and contact with the public, SBK remains number one. Well, maybe we could avoid some of the managers walking around in flip-flops (he laughs), in short, a bit more attention to detail that would then make a difference.”
Does Dorna give you incentive like with the MotoGP teams, offering money or race bonuses?
“Dorna does a bit, but we are light years from the way it works in MotoGP. Dorna helps a bit, but not much. The investments are different. All you need to do is look at the Thursday Grand Prix Motorcycle Racing press conference compared with the Superbike conference. In MotoGP, money also comes from TV and that creates more cash flow. A similar solution for the factory derivatives would be ideal, although I realize that it is not an easy thing to achieve.”
Would you propose less exaggerated technical regulations for SBK?
“I think the regulations here are 'calm' enough, but I think that, all told, the preparation level of the bikes is fine the way it is. At least, for now.”
What is your goal for next season?
“I would like to continue to have the Kawasakis. We are working to that end and we are close to confirming our agreement. Of our current two riders (Vizziello and Schmitter), one of the two will remain, but I have not yet decided which. Our goal as a team is to put a top rider on the grid. Some riders are at the end of their contract and I am trying to convince at least one that here on my team he will find a nice home.”
What is your best memory so far of your experience in SBK?
“The biggest satisfaction for me and for my team was when we had Noriyuki Haga race in the 2013 Imola race astride one of our BMWs. Now there was a top rider in terms of speed, reliability and professionalism. I am looking for someone like that for next year.”
