Skip to main content

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Autosport Plus

Discover premium content
Subscribe

Recommended for you

Is it now or never for Russell in hunt for F1 title?

Feature
Formula 1
Is it now or never for Russell in hunt for F1 title?

Supercars to make Chevrolet Camaro updates after parity investigation

Supercars
Taupo Super 440
Supercars to make Chevrolet Camaro updates after parity investigation

Domenicali: F1 'needs to decide' on the next engine regulations this year

Formula 1
Domenicali: F1 'needs to decide' on the next engine regulations this year

How Armstrong has proven he belongs in the WRC's top tier

WRC
Rally Croatia
How Armstrong has proven he belongs in the WRC's top tier

The top 11 lost F1 victories after the flag

Feature
Formula 1
The top 11 lost F1 victories after the flag

Racing Bulls suggest "continuous" roll-out of F1 2026 regulation tweaks

Formula 1
Racing Bulls suggest "continuous" roll-out of F1 2026 regulation tweaks

Special Alpine and victorious Vectra among Cadwell Park BARC highlights

National
Special Alpine and victorious Vectra among Cadwell Park BARC highlights

Forthcoming KTM switch not impacting Marquez's involvement in GP26 development

MotoGP
Forthcoming KTM switch not impacting Marquez's involvement in GP26 development

MotoGP's 'backwards' 2016 electronics are a boost to Scott Redding

MotoGP's switch to a control electronics system will give Scott Redding an advantage over some of his rivals this year, the Pramac Ducati rider feels

Along with the move to Michelin tyres from Bridgestone, a new Magneti Marelli control ECU has been introduced, which riders initially dubbed as a "backwards step" during testing late last year.

While many satellite teams did not try the new software at the time due to a combination of supply issues and a preference to focus on the new tyres - getting their first taste when 2016 pre-season testing started at Sepang in February - Pramac did.

Satellite Ducati outfits have been strong across this year's three tests, with Redding finishing last week's running in Qatar second to Jorge Lorenzo.

Redding feels Pramac's early adoption, and the system itself, will help in his third MotoGP campaign.

"Even with the first test, I started with the new electronics," he told Autosport.

"Me and the team said 'right, we're going to be at a disadvantage in this test, but in the long run it's going to help us'.

"What was the point of running the old electronics? We might as well have started with the new electronics, and get some data on it.

"It was really good. I didn't have any problem with the electronics.

"Sure they are a bit aggressive on the cut, a lot of people have been complaining about them, but riders who rely on the electronics.

"But that's not in my nature, so it actually works a little bit in my advantage."

While he does not anticipate satellite teams scoring major upset results, the Brit does feel the change will help level the playing field between MotoGP's most and least-experienced riders.

"Everyone has the same scenario, starting fresh with tyres and electronics," he said.

"So it gives me more of a chance, with not as many years in GP, to fight with these guys.

"The factory guys, OK, they've had four more tests on the Michelin tyres than me, but it's something you can adapt to.

"I'm quite a quick learner anyway, but when you're talking about people who have six or seven years of experience, you can't get that back over the course of a season.

"Everyone is starting from scratch, which I think is really helpful to make something of the season."

The MotoGP season gets under way on March 20 in Qatar. You can watch all the race action throughout the season exclusively live on BT Sport, the home of MotoGP in the UK. Click here for more information on BT Sport

Previous article Dani Pedrosa heading into 2016 MotoGP season 'behind' rivals
Next article Valentino Rossi wants new MotoGP contract then to switch to cars

Top Comments

Latest news