Cristian Gabarrini is one of the most well-known and respected names from behind the scenes in MotoGP™, and has probably forgotten more about the sport than many would ever learn! Currently the Chief Mechanic to reigning World Champion Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team), Gabarrini has worked with five-time World Champion Jorge Lorenzo during his time with Ducati, while he also formed a winning partnership with Casey Stoner.
The Italian recently spoke about his working relationship with past and present members in the paddock and noted that there are quite a few similarities between Bagnaia and Lorenzo.
"I hold a lot of affection for [Andrea] Dovizioso, but Pecco is more sensitive. Bagnaia clings more to certain things, let's put it that way. In my opinion, Andrea excelled a bit more in certain areas, while Pecco always aims for victory. I also saw this in Jorge Lorenzo, they try to give their utmost in the extreme. Truly, Bagnaia is very, very sensitive in all aspects: aerodynamics, chassis, engine... and many times, his comments have left us amazed," Gabarrini told Sky Italia pundit Giovanni Zamagni on his YouTube channel.
Gabarrini also expressed his utmost admiration for Lorenzo, believing he deserved more success than he had at Ducati and crediting him with playing a huge role in the development of the Desmosedici.
"He might appear arrogant, but in reality, it's the opposite. He doesn't have filters. He says what he thinks, but most of the time, his thoughts are technically sound. In my opinion, he deserved a Championship with Ducati. I must say that many of the things we have on our bike now stem from Jorge Lorenzo's ideas and feedback. He did a great job, alongside Andrea Dovizioso."
"He's a person with a terrifying humility because sometimes, when you're talking to him, he doesn't want to argue and he says, 'If you say it's like this, I have to try it and do it as you say.' It's something you don't expect from a five-time MotoGP World Champion."
One of the key figures behind Ducati’s rise to prominence has worked with numerous riders of an outstanding pedigree, and he opened up on his relationship with several of them, but believes he and Lorenzo are cut from the cloth.
"I find more analogies between Stoner and [Jack] Miller, perhaps because their geographical origin - Australia - influences a lot. The way they approach life, their way of living... they're stronger and wilder than us, who pay less attention. They could be in a tent at 15 degrees, while we'd be calling our mother to tell her how cold we are. Overall, it's about how they approach the weekend. In technical terms, they're all very different. I identify more with Jorge Lorenzo because he has a very similar way of working."