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The new firmware released by Mectronik for the Supersport class is becoming a bit of a case and these days we're trying to clarify what's happening. Yesterday we spoke to Marco Cortecchia, owner of the Italian company, and following that interview, Brian Gillen, technical director of MV Agusta, wanted to clarify some points.
Brian, what's going on?
“A new firmware was released by Mectronik that Ducati and Yamaha used in the Portimao tests and then it was also supplied to us, so that we could do some tests. Finally, last week, the FIM announced that the new firmware would be available to all teams who will be able to choose whether to use it or not in the Phillip Island tests and in the Australian and Mandalika races, to then become mandatory from Assen. It's all very clear to us."
So MV Agusta didn't spark off the controversy over this update?
“As MV Agusta we received the new firmware and did our checks to highlight any bugs. I can confirm that the MV Agusta Reparto Corse team used the 2022 firmware yesterday and the new one today to make comparisons. However, it must be emphasized that the team is a separate and external firm with respect to the company. To be precise, it is not an official team but supported by the manufacturer. We as a company have not released any comments regarding the firmware. We are simply working by following the FIM rules through the normal development processes."
So there's no controversy on your part?
“There is no controversy. If anything, it is important for us that a clear procedure be introduced by the FIM for the issuing of new firmware, which at the moment is not in the regulations. Our idea is that there should be a rule that should then be applied equally to everyone. In other words that new firmware, whether development or official, should be available to everyone on the same day. Having said that, I don't understand where this controversy came from ”.
Is more transparency required regarding the technical regulations?
“There was a change within the FIM at the end of last year, Superbike and Supersport technical director Scott Smart left his post and Ludovic Reigner arrived. Following this change, the organization must be restored. Within the MSMA, of which MV Agusta is a part and I am its representative, and the SBK Commission, among other things, we are talking about balancing the performance of Supersport, to understand how to improve this system and all the manufacturers unanimously called for greater transparency. That is, we want to know what the balance is for all the manufacturers and, before making any changes in this area, what will be changed and how. It is a path we are working on, there is not yet a complete proposal".
