KAWASAKI PEOPLE: GEROLD BUCHER
03 May 2006 - Kawasaki Racing

Gerold Bucher, or Hugo as he is more commonly known, is Shinya Nakano''s Data Technician, and the Kawasaki Racing Team''s IT specialist.

A man of few words, but many languages, Hugo''s claim to fame is that he has amassed more air miles than any other member of the team, due to regular trips between races to visit his long-time girlfriend in Brazil.

Q: How long have you worked for the Kawasaki Racing Team?
A: I joined the team at the end of the 2003 season, so this is my third year with Kawasaki in MotoGP.

Q: How would you describe your job, and what are your main responsibilities within the team?
A: I am the data technician for Shinya Nakano, which means that I am responsible for the monitoring the electronic systems on both his Ninja ZX-RR machines, including the engine management and fuel injections systems, as well as the 2D data acquisition sensors and control units. I analyse all the data we collect from the bike during each track session, which includes information such as throttle position, gear setting, engine revs, suspension travel and engine performance. From this data we can calculate optimum settings for all parts of the motorcycle, but my main focus is on the engine management system and the fuel injection mapping. We have the option to run a lot of sensors on the bike, to measure almost every parameter of the performance, but we normally restrict ourselves to a set number during race weekends so that we don''t suffer from data overload. I''m also responsible for managing the IT infrastructure within the team, including the team''s computers and the network connections at each circuit. Sometimes this job is more demanding than working on the bike!

Q: How did you become involved in motorcycle racing?
A: I started out racing myself for one season in the German Yamaha Cup, during which I had many crashes and spent a lot of money, but it was good fun! I gave up racing after just one season, as I had to go and do my time in the German army. When I left the army I worked as a mechanic for three years for a friend in the German championship, working just for fun. After that I worked for Dirk Raudies in the 125cc World Championship for another three years, before joining the d''Antin team in the 250cc World Championship. The following year Norick Abe joined the team and I worked with him in the 500cc World Championship for four years, before joining Kawasaki at the end of 2003.

Q: What is more important in your job; qualifications or experience?
A: I think that experience is more important than qualifications, although you do need qualifications to do this job. I worked my way up from being a mechanic, so I understand a lot better how the changes we make to the electronic systems on the bike affect the rider and the mechanics than someone who only understands the theory behind the electronic control systems we use. This is important.

Q: What do you do in your spare time, away from the racetrack?
A: I have girlfriend in Brazil, so I travel to see her whenever I get the opportunity during the season. To be honest, I don''t see her very much, as we tend to be very busy once the season starts. I also have an Audi RS4 that I enjoy driving, although it''s a very expensive toy when it goes wrong, as I discovered recently when I blew both turbos on the way to the airport!

Q: What do you enjoy most about your job?
A: I like working with the technology we use in MotoGP, and also the fact that there is always something knew. Every race is different, and each circuit brings new problems that we have to overcome. This makes my job both interesting and enjoyable.

Q: And what is the worst part of your job?
A: The worst thing is when you have a problem with the bike that you just can''t seem to find a solution to. It happens. Sometimes you just have to do your best to reduce the effect of the problem, because it''s not possible to solve it completely. This is frustrating, not just for me, but for the rider and the whole crew.

Q: If you weren''t involved in motorcycle racing, what do you think you''d be doing instead?
A: I have absolutely no idea. I have thought about what I''ll do after I finish working in racing, but I haven''t come up with anything yet.

Q: What, in your opinion is the most important attribute a rider needs if he is to be a World Champion?
A: To be World Champion, a rider must be consistently fast in any conditions, whether it is dry, wet, cold or hot. This consistency is critical, because we race all over the world and conditions change with every race.

Q: Who do you think is the greatest Grand Prix rider of all time, and why?
A: I''d have to say Wayne Rainey, because it didn''t matter to him that he wasn''t on the best or the fastest bike. He just never gave up, and always raced for the win on his way to his three world championship titles.

Q: Who is the man to beat in this year''s MotoGP World Championship?
A: Given the arrival of the young guns in the championship, and their performances so far, that''s a very hard question. But, I still think that Valentino Rossi is that man that these guys must beat if they want to take the championship this year.

Q: You race all over the world, but can you name the capital city of Australia?
A: The capital of Australia; is this a trick question? Is it Sydney?

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