This Paddock Pass episode from COTA features an in-depth interview with American Moto2 rider Joe Roberts, discussing his home Grand Prix experience, career challenges, and insights into the path for American riders in MotoGP. The hosts also cover key paddock news, including freight delays, the debut of Bagger racing, and updates on other riders like Maverick Viñales and KTM's performance.
Summarized by Podsumo
Joe Roberts shared his experience at his home GP in Austin, discussing his travel from Brazil, the importance of the 'Support Moto' initiative for young American racers, and his high hopes for the weekend.
Roberts provided a candid perspective on the path for Americans into MotoGP, suggesting that moving to Spain at a very young age is almost a necessity now, a significant shift from past eras.
The podcast highlighted the logistical challenges at COTA due to freight delays from Brazil, causing teams to work frantically to set up bikes and pit boxes on Thursday morning.
Details were shared about the debut of Bagger racing, noting the bikes' impressive specs (280kg, 220Nm torque, over 300km/h) and their surprisingly fast lap times, comparable to supersport bikes, despite a small field of nine riders.
Paddock updates included Brad Binder's explanation of KTM's aero changes affecting top speed but improving cornering, and Maverick Viñales' ongoing struggles with a shoulder injury impacting his performance in left-hand corners.
"You know the thing about Moto 2 is like it looks when it's like a little bit off, it looks terrible... and then you know you can literally turn it around in one session."
"I need quite a lot of Feel on the last part of the brakes, you know to like just kind of feel that front tire which I never really had with the the Dunlops from before..."
"It's so hard to know, man. I grew up with a lot of young up and coming riders really promising. Honestly, some of them even quicker than me. But once you get over here, there's just a whole other landscape, whole much more pressure."