Akrapovič Magazine vol. 25

>> ISSUE 25

Akrapovič in MotoGP, Moto2, Moto3

Together at the limit Interview with Bernie Ecclestone

I DIDN’T HAVE A VISION, IT JUST HAPPENED PORTRAIT ALEX ZANARDI

Daytona – the score remains unsettled Lamborghini Urus in Sassi di Matera

TH E B U LL AN D TH E STON E

?

Atelier des Lumières

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You don’t need to sacrifice

family cruising

when choosing your next performance yacht.

The Elan E5 is designed for demanding sailors who seek a perfect balance between serious, regatta-winning performance and elegant design with abundant space and comfort.

Elan, d.o.o., Begunje 1, 4275 Begunje na Gorenjskem, Slovenia +386 4 53 51 109 SAIL@ELAN.SI

04

C ont e nt s

A K RAP OV I Č Akrapovič Lifestyle Magazine Issue 25, April 2019 Akrapovič d.d.

Malo Hudo 8a SI-1295 Ivančna Gorica Slovenia www.akrapovic.com Editor in Chief: Miran Ališič Publisher: Korpmedia d.o.o.

Tomšičeva 1, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia www.korpmedia.si Managing Director: Mateja Kos ID No.: 2272237000 VAT No.: SI14601737 Client Coordinator: Primož Jurman Photo Editor: Bor Dobrin Art Directors: Slavojka Akrapovič, Neja Engelsberger, Saša Kerkoš Cover design: Zdenko Bračevac Content Editor: Jasna Milinković Contributors: Michael Baumann, Alenka Birk, Volker Hirth, Matevž Hribar, Primož Jurman, Gaber Keržišnik, Karolis Mieliauskas, Toby Moody, Imre Paulovits, Mitja Reven, Karin Sturm, Tina Torelli Contributing Photographers: Aleš Rosa, Alex Štokelj (cover photo), Bor Dobrin, Christian Kalse, Edoardo Bauer, Gold and Goose Photography, Marc Robinot, Slipstream Media, Uroš Podlogar Translation: Matjaž Horvat, Werner Schneider Proofreading: Katarina Mahnič Ad space marketing: www.yvision.ch Y.Vision GmbH, Poststrasse 9, 6300 Zug, Switzerland On the cover: Rear Carbon Fiber Diffuser with Ceramic Composite Tail Pipe Set for the Porsche 911 GT3 RS (991.2) Printing: PARA tiskarna, Para d.o.o., Celestinova ulica 1, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

Contents

05 Letter

06 Akrapovič News

10 Story

14 Interview

16 Evolution

24 Travel With Us

32 Interview

40 Champion

42 Visit With Us

46 Story

52 Story

64 Ride With Us

68 Visit With Us

72 Original

78 High Gear

// Si NOTE All the longer articles in the Akrapovič magazine include a text that will be marked with the // Si sign and placed in a special frame. The Akrapovič company is based in Slovenia and this is why we decided to keep this part of the text in Slovenian as well.

Copyright notice This magazine and its entire textual and pictorial content are subject to copyright.

Any reproduction thereof without prior written consent of the copyright holder is prohibited. The articles contained herein do not necesseraly correspond with the opinions of Akrapovič d.d. the publishers or the editors.

Not for sale. Printed in Slovenia in April 2019 in 8.000 copies.

General Warning Because of the world-wide distribution of Akrapovič d.d. products, neither Akrapovič d.d. nor any of its subsidiaries make any representation that the products comply with the air and/or noise emissions laws, or labeling laws, of any jurisdiction. The purchasers are entirely responsible for informing themselves of the applicable laws where the products are to be used and to comply with those laws. Warning / USA Various U.S. states and the U.S. federal government have individual laws regulating the use of aftermarket exhaust parts and systems, especially as those parts and systems modify, remove, or replace original equipment catalysts. Please consult the appropriate laws in your area before installing any aftermarket part or system on your vehicle to ensure compliance with all applicable laws. Neither Akrapovič d.d. nor any of their subsidiaries or the sellers of the parts or systems make any representation that any of their parts or systems comply with any such laws. Warning / California California laws prohibit the use of any aftermarket exhaust part or system that modifies, removes or replaces original equipment catalysts unless the California Air Resources Board has issued an Executive Order regarding such part or system or unless the part or system is exempted by being used only on racing vehicles on closed courses. Neither Akrapovič d.d. nor any of their subsidiaries make any representation that any of their parts or systems has received such an Executive Order or that any of their parts or systems conform with the racing vehicles exemption. The purchasers are entirely responsible for informing themselves of applicable California laws and to comply with those laws.

05

Letter

05

photography Jure Makovec

04

Moments Life is not Measured by the Number of Breaths We Take... Being part of the original team behind a magazine, spending more than a decade observing the growth and development of such an exceptional brand as Akrapovič from a fairly neutral position and personally meeting the main architects and creators of its progress over time makes one realize that he was afforded a special opportunity that is not given to many. Because of my background and sensibilities – I will leave technical advancements to those smarter than me – I mainly took part in the design and visual aspects of this story, looking at how the company progressed and how forceful its development was. At a certain point in time you might think that the shape or design had gotten as good as it gets, yet you are shown that there’s a new limit beyond the current one, a limit that is then reached yet again. And again, and again. And it takes your breath away. A new shape, a new design appears.

And it takes your breath away. Then another one. And it takes your breath away. This spurs you not to fall asleep at your end, to keep developing, growing, moving forward. Regarding the shape, the selection, the ideas, the quality of photographs, those acquired and those taken. And then you hit your own personal limit and it takes your breath away. And you push beyond. And it takes your breath away.

Due to the specific breadth of the Akrapovič Lifestyle Magazine, which exceeds the mere corporate, my work allows me to observe and work not only with the Akrapovič team, but with other firstrate individuals from the world of motorsport, technology, art…

True, we meet but for a fleeting moment, yet it seems that they all have the desire to push beyond what is possible in their own respective areas. Day in and day out. It may also seem during these short and intermittent contacts that their path has only been composed of breathtaking moments. But we all know deep inside that such flashes of brilliance require talent as well as hour upon hour of dedication and bravery. By us as well, as we show and tell their stories. Fortunately or unfortunately, the passage of

time is quite good at erasing the sleepless nights, icy mornings, tough drives and especially the continuous and strenuous internal search for new, better ideas, leaving behind only the memories of those moments when our breath was taken away. You return to the office, things settle down, you look at what you had done – photographs in my case. And sometimes, not always by any means, you see that you’ve hit a limit. And it takes your breath away. And these are the moments that, ironically, fill you with the required energy to look for a new limit.

Photography has always fascinated me with its transformation of 4 dimensions into just 2, its ability to transpose space and time onto a medium without the 3rd dimension, where all is timeless and yet the end result retains all four dimensions, all the tension, moments captured in such quality that they cannot be drowned out by time. And how very important that is in Akrapovič’s story, where the time (movement) component is so vital. If I succeed in this, I have approached or even reached a limit. And perhaps I took your breath away for a moment. Not too long ago I received fresh photos of MotoGP motorcycle exhausts from the outstanding photographer Marc Robinot. I sift through the shots. Exhausts.

Exceptional. Perfect all by themselves. But one arrests my gaze. It's different from the rest, raw, almost organic, one of a kind, unique!

I sat there, forgot about space and time, watched the photo… and it took my breath away! The same as it happened many times during the ten years of working with Akrapovič!

At the end I’d like to complete the sentence I started with. ... but by the Moments That Take Our Breath Away.

Bor Dobrin Photography Editor

A krapov ič Ne w s

06

Ambassador Colin Edwards Colin Edwards became the first world champion on a machine, equipped with an Akrapovič exhaust system. His first title, won in the 2000 WorldSBK Championship on a Honda, was quickly augmented by another in 2002 and his achievements easily convinced the top people at the Slovenian company to bestow the title of Akrapovič Brand Ambassador on the Texas Tornado, the first for a rider on two wheels. The link between Akrapovič and Colin Edwards, who has a wealth of experience with the exhaust systems from Ivančna Gorica having used them in the WorldSBK Championship, the 8 Hours of Suzuka as well as in MotoGP, has thus become even stronger. “It’s an honour to be an Akrapovič brand ambassador. When I came here a few months ago, I was very impressed with what I saw at the factories. Akrapovič is a top-level company that’s good to be associated with. Everything is top level, from the workshop on,” said Colin after paying a visit during which he also happily uncovered a memorial plaque commemorating his achievements, which embellishes a conference room at the company. Colin also attended the company’s New Year get-together, where he was very popular with the crowd and, alongside Akrapovič, announced a slew of future activities which we are sure to report on in the coming months.

Ready for the Future Today

Was the slogan used by Akrapovič at the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan. The Slovenian exhaust system manufacturer proved its readiness with a range of new exhausts, including models for motorbikes that were themselves freshly unveiled at the November event. The powerful and lightweight exhaust systems for the BMW S 1000 RR, BMW R 1250 GS, Ducati Scrambler 1100, Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R, Kawasaki Versys 1000, Yamaha Niken, Triumph Tiger 1200, Yamaha YZ250F, Kawasaki KX450F, and Honda CRF450R confirmed the company’s commitment to ongoing development and to making sure that it creates only the best products for the end user. One of the main pulls at the attractive Akrapovič booth was its durability dyno robot, symbolising the company’s ability to meet the approaching Euro 5 standard. Numerous gazes were also directed at the racing bikes in MotoGP, also on display, and there were numerous opportunities for autographs and selfies with visiting racing riders from MotoGP, WorldSBK, MXGP and other top flights of motorcycle racing, who use Akrapovič-equipped motorbikes in their quest for glory.

06 / 09

Akrapovič News

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Visited by Rea After an amazing 2018 season in which the Kawasaki Racing Team rider won his fourth consecutive World Champion title and set numerous other records along the way, Jonathan Rea visited Akrapovič, where he was taken on a tour of exhaust systems development, titanium foundry, racing department, laboratory, measuring room and other departments in the company of CEO Uroš Rosa. At the end of his visit, he also unveiled a plaque with his name at company headquarters that honours the record achievements he has made with Akrapovič exhausts. “Akrapovič is a big company, working in many different motorsport disciplines, not just in motorcycles. From the car world to MotoGP and motocross. I am very proud and honoured to have a room named after me and that I made such an impact on the company,” the moved Jonathan said afterwards. Just a few hours later he appeared as a mystery guest at the company’s New Year meet, where his witty answers to questions about his achievements, motivation and passion really captivated those gathered. “It was nice to get the opportunity to come, to meet all the Akrapovič people that support us on the track at this time of the year, when you have more time to really appreciate all the effort that goes into exhaust systems, the history behind the company,” Mr WorldSBK said as he concluded his visit.

Fast and bold Pata Yamaha Official WorldSBK Team riders Michael van der Mark and Alex Lowes were joined at their winter testing at the Jerez track by a very special guest, Lewis Hamilton. The five-time Formula 1 World Champion followed the WorldSBK race winners on the Andalusian track with a very special Crescent Racing-built Yamaha YZF-R1, featuring a unique Akrapovič exhaust system, very similar to the ones used on their bikes by Van der Mark and Lowes.

BMW wins at Daytona BMW Team RLL and its BMW M8 GTE race car beat their competition at the famous 24 Hours of Daytona. The Akrapovič-equipped speedster was driven to its win in the GTLM category by Connor De Phillippi, Augusto Farfus, Philipp Eng and Colton Herta, thus providing an excellent start to the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. The victory at the racetrack in Florida was the first time a BMW M8 GTE won at a 24 hour endurance race.

08

Dozen awards Readers of Motorsport aktuell magazine yet again named Akrapovič as the best brand for car and motorcycle exhausts, the sixth double victory for the Slovenian company. After their votes were counted, Akrapovič walked away with 62.4% of the vote in the “Most Popular Brand in Automobile Racing Sports” and 76.7% in the “Most Popular Brand in Motorcycle Racing”, actually improving on its results from the previous year. The new double win serves as validation of the efforts Akrapovič employees put into the development and manufacture of exhausts.

Sound and picture

Jeffrey Herlings, the reigning MXGP World Champion, adores fast cars and can often be found behind the wheel of a Lamborghini Huracán, featuring an Akrapovič exhaust system. The four-time world champion with 84 GP victories by the end of the 2018 season, whose allegiance lies with the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, undoubtedly enjoys the company of powerful machines, both on and off the track.

06 / 09

Akrapovič News

Toby Price won the 2019 Dakar Rally, with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing teammates Matthias Walkner and Sam Sunderland flanking him for that picture-perfect family podium finish.

This year’s win was the 18th in a row for KTM and the 10th motorbike win for an Akrapovič exhaust system on the famous Dakar. It was also the second win at the world’s most challenging rally for Toby Price, the 2018 FIM Cross Country Rallies World Champion, and he took it at the tenth and final stage.

The Australian nurtured a cracked wrist during the entire competition, making his achievement even more special. “It feels amazing to stand here knowing I have won the Dakar, I don’t think it has really sunk in yet. I thought at the beginning of the event I would be lucky to even make the rest day,” Toby said right after completing the rally.

KTM occupies Dakar podium

Alfa Romeo Racing special series In the spring, Alfa Romeo announced the Giulia Quadrifoglio and Stelvio Quadrifoglio in a limited “Alfa Romeo Racing” series, which commemorates the brand’s deep links with Formula 1. The special editions, which were naturally tested by racing drivers Kimi Räikkönen and Antonio Giovinazzi, sport an original livery alongside a bunch of other upgrades, including an Akrapovič titanium exhaust to emphasise the deep and bold sound of the 2.9 V6 Bi-Turbo engine.

14 times the winner Akrapovič would like to thank the readers of the Motorrad magazine, who yet again put it in the top spot in the motorcycle exhaust systems category of Best Brand awards.

This top-podium finish is the 14th in a row for the Slovenian company, which this year garnered a total of 75.5% of all votes.

09

Story

10 / 13 Story

Two wheels against four wheels – interview

by Miran Ališič photography Bor Dobrin, Gold and Goose Photography, Hoch Zwei

SPEED AND PATIENCE

10

1

11

Two young men, both from Bavaria and – I have to stop right there since Marco Wittmann makes it clear straight away that Bavaria is a very expansive term which contains lots of administrative districts like Upper Franconia, Upper Bavaria etc., and that the exact origin can sometimes be a tricky matter among the Bavarians from different regions. So, I guess I’d better be more precise with the facts. Marco Wittmann comes from Fürth near Nürnberg in Middle Franconia, is born in 1989 and has been driving for BMW in the DTM since 2013. Markus Reiterberger is five years younger and hails from Trostberg near Chiem Lake in Upper Bavaria. This season he became a member of the newly founded BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team. His teammate is the 2013 Superbike World Champion Tom Sykes.

10 / 13 Story

Ma r c o W i t t man n

We agree to meet up for lunch in a bistro on

advantage to have a strong teammate. You can

the first floor of the BMW Welt in Munich. The

watch him, learn a lot… And when one is as

two racers prefer meagre menus. One orders

fast as him in the second race already and even

just soup, the other a piece of meat without any

finishes ahead, it is really satisfying. But getting

side dish. Football, skiing or any other kind of

to the same level as Tom is a long-term aim for

sport was never seriously considered by either

me.” The young superbike rider believes that it’s

of the two. Wittmann grew up in a garage: “My

very important to keep improving all the time,

grandpa was a racing driver and, although I like

together with the team, because only good

skiing, there was no alternative for me.” Markus

cooperation moves the team forward.

has a similarly straight answer: “My father was a speedway rider; my whole family is connected

Fight on all the time

with motorsports. My father was also a

In the DTM, drivers usually don’t have just

motorcycle mechanic, so there were bike parts

one teammate but rather five. It’s quite

and bikes everywhere, there was never anything

different from a classic team of two. “True, it’s

else for me.”

different in the DTM, but you try to be on top

Who is braver, racing car drivers or bike riders?

“Especially regarding the engines and the powertrain, everything is new. The turbo engines are much more powerful, around 100 HP more has been squeezed out and all drivers love power. New regulations always mix up the field too.”

nevertheless. If you don’t have a winning car, you still want to be the best in team, meaning among the BMW drivers,” Wittmann smiles.

Much like the meals, we don’t mince around

“At the end, we are all racers, everyone is

either. Who is braver, racing car drivers or bike

ambitious and wants to climb to the very top.”

riders? Wittmann answers without hesitating:

Wittmann continues explaining team culture in

“Bike riders are way braver. They are the real

the DTM to us: “Our DTM team has six drivers

heroes, especially in the wet, their performance

and we have a very good relationship indeed.

is really impressive.” Reiterberger is meanwhile

We are a team, there is no war between us.

fascinated by an option that racing car drivers

In other types of sports, something like that

have: “The different lines they can chose from

happens often, like in Formula 1 for example.

and still keep their driving quality exact to the

Here we are much more of a team, although

millimetre, I really appreciate that.” So, would

every one of us wants to finish ahead of the

either of them want to be in the other’s shoes

rest, of course.” In superbike speed clearly

at the start of a race? “I would finish last for

counts, but patience too: “I see how well Tom

sure – by far!” the superbike rider smiles.

works. At the beginning I wanted to jump the

Marco Wittmann has never sat on a racing bike

gun, was impatient, that’s not the way to move

and “that’s why I can’t say how far I’d actually

forward. One ends up in a dead end. I’m now

make it. The switch is much easier for bikers,

slowly learning how to improve the whole

regardless of which car they choose.”

package and this requires a lot of patience as well. Never surrender, never throw in the towel,

The new regulations Wittmann’s season starts in May, so we focused on the testing and even more on the new

Motorsport has to be loud

regulations. “Especially regarding the engines

Our lunch over, we remain sitting in the bistro,

and the powertrain, everything is new. The

surrounded by numerous tourists who used

turbo engines are much more powerful, around

this sunny afternoon to visit BMW Welt. Would

100 HP more has been squeezed out and all

both racers be good guides through BMW’s

drivers love power. New regulations always mix

main exhibition centre? “I would definitively

up the field too,” says Wittmann, who is hopeful

have something to tell about BMW in the DTM,

of battling it out for the third championship title

about the E30 and M3 era, for sure,” Wittmann

in his BMW M4 DTM.

is the first to bite. “And I think that the ‘80s and

Strong teammate

“Our exhaust is a work of art. It has to be one. I can’t imagine a real racing bike without a cool titanium exhaust at all. I admit to being a huge Akrapovič fan.”

Marku s Re ite rbe rge r

fight on all the time.”

‘90s were really the golden years of DTM.” Reiterberger meanwhile reminisces about his

The superbike rider meanwhile only returned

youth: “When I was young, the Schumi mania

from the season opener on Australia’s Phillip

was in full swing in Germany, which totally

Island a few days before our chat. The BMW

engulfed me too. But now I have less and less

rider is satisfied: “We’ve met some goals, even

time to watch others race on TV.”

exceeded a few. We are a new team, have a

Moving on, Witmann is quite clear: “Motorsport

new racing bike, the BMW S 1000 RR, and

has to be loud! I always need a sound that fits,

12th and 13th places are a good result.” It’s

also in my private car. Akrapovič thus suits

important for Reiterberger “that we constantly

me well,” he smiles, admitting that even an

keep improving and shrinking the gap to the

Akrapovič is felt much less in a racing car than

top dogs.” And something else was very

on a bike. “Is that so?” I prod Markus: “Yes,

much noticed by the rider in BMW Motorrad

our exhaust is a work of art. It has to be one. I

WorldSBK Team. He stayed in front of his

can’t imagine a real racing bike without a cool

teammate in the second race. World champion

titanium exhaust at all. I admit to being a huge

Tom Sykes was slower than Markus. “It’s an

Akrapovič fan.”

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13

Inte r v iew

14 15

Stor y

Sabrina the Robot

TIN LIZZIE

by Gaber Keržišnik photography Bor Dobrin

A likeable young lady came in for a job interview at Akrapovič some time ago. The first-ever robot employed by Akrapovič applied for the job of a test rider on the company’s new durability dyno and the quiet Sabrina was immediately accepted by her coworkers. We managed to obtain the transcript of Sabrina’s job interview.

14 / 15

Interview

AKRAPOVIČ’S HIGH-TECH DURABILITY DYNO Akrapovič has expanded its already extensive range of stateof-the-art machines and testing facilities by adding a high-tech feature in the form of a durability dyno. Designed for mileage accumulation under special programmes, this equipment provides improved testing services for advanced exhaust system development. Sabrina is a part of the durability dyno.

Your name?

eight days. I diligently open the throttle, squeeze

rhythm according to a software preset. I can

My creators at first thought of calling me

the clutch and change gears. I can manage

adjust extremely quickly. I am very good at

Valentina, because I’m good at handling

everything except the brakes, but they don’t really

simulating how a bike rides in traffic. I memorize

motorbikes, but they later decided to name me

matter, since I’ll never take to the road.

and record all relevant data, such as engine

Sabrina instead. And I like this name better too.

Weight?

50 kilograms.

What’s your favourite work mode?

Pneumatic!

function, water and oil temperature, oil pressure, exhaust temperature and any other necessary things. I save all the data in my electronic brain and never forget anything.

Place of birth?

What kind of a working environment are you expecting?

I’m not quite sure myself, being a robot. My father

Ventilated in the summer and heated in the

How do you record stuff in your brain when you do not have a head?

and mother are Apicom from Italy and Akrapovič

winter. I want the heat from the exhaust and

I actually don’t need one. All my brains are

from Slovenia, which designed my right hand,

the motorbike to circulate and thereby warm

saved in the electronic circuits in my body.

which I use as the throttle handle. I came to be

up my place of work in an environmentally

I communicate well with the computers that

through the cooperation of those two companies,

friendly fashion. I also want suitable ventilation.

manage the dyno.

which both contributed their knowhow,

I feel good when the speed of the fan and

experience and components.

the air precisely simulate the speed that the

Do you have any unique habits?

motorcycle I’m testing on the durability dyno is

Hmmm… let me think. My male co-workers have

Do you have any brothers or sisters?

travelling at. I will produce optimal results under

been known to say that I’m the only woman who

Not yet. I am currently the only such robot in the

such conditions.

always does what she’s told. Without objecting.

Your working habits?

When can you start?

I accelerate well. I shift between all the gears

Immediately!

world. And a female one to boot.

What is your main skill?

Bike riding. I can ride all day and all night, without

from the third up. I can easily reach 250

breaks. I’m so excited about what I do that I don’t

km/h. I then maintain that speed for some

Excellent. It’s a deal. Congratulations, Miss

need to rest. I can do 10,000 test kilometres like

five minutes. Then I downshift until I hit third

Sabrina. You are employed full-time. You can

nobody’s business – it only takes me some six to

again. And accelerate again. I maintain my

start work immediately.

Ev olution

AkrapoviÄ? Exhaust Systems in MotoGP, Moto2, Moto3

Together at the limit

by Imre Paulovits photography Marc Robinot

16 / 21

Evolution

16 17

Akrapovič is developing exhaust systems for five of the six currently active factory MotoGP teams – (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, Mission Winnow Ducati, Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP, Team SUZUKI ECSTAR) as well as for many teams competing in Moto2 and Moto3. In doing so, the manufacturers’ engineers and the Slovenian specialists are permanently pushing the boundaries of what seems possible and, in the long term, the quality of their respective products.

16 / 21

Evolution

AkrapoviÄ? is developing exhaust systems for five of the six currently active factory MotoGP teams as well as for many teams competing in Moto2 and Moto3.

Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP, MotoGP

18 Mission Winnow Ducati, MotoGP

AkrapoviÄ? uses lightweight titanium with a wall thickness of only 0.65 mm, developed for high temperatures and pressures.

MotoGP – for many the biggest show, the top flight of motorbike racing in the world.

19

For others, the ultimate testing area for the continuing development of their own products and technologies. During the last couple of years, the rivalry has become so fierce that even the smallest differences count in the fight for the elusive thousands of a second and therefore only aiming for the absolute perfection can still bring improvement.

Special place Akrapovič, by offering the best individual service to everyone, has secured the same special place in the top class of motorcycle sports that the Slovenian manufacturer already holds in the world of motorcycles.

But that doesn’t mean that one size fits all as regards cooperation with the companies’ engineers. “There are several approaches to creating a MotoGP exhaust“, says Alojz ‘Slavko’ Trstenjak, Head of Racing R&D at Akrapovič.

“In most cases we do it by receiving a CADmodel or we make it in house, based on our own experience. It’s important to understand Team SUZUKI ECSTAR, MotoGP

which area of the power curve the team wants to improve and that’s why we also like to receive their performance data for their strategies.“ The best possible solution for different engine configurations and firing sequences has to be devised, so the gases can escape most effectively and help with the filling of the next power stroke. Additionally, the systems must be placed so that they don’t block the mechanics’ access to the parts they are working on during the race weekends to fine tune the bike.

Various challenges Due to their different sound limits and engine rules, every class presents its own challenges.

KTM is the only manufacturer competing in all three categories and therefore cooperates especially close with Akrapovič.

“Moto2 with its standard engines is a class where every detail counts“, KTM Motorsport Director Pit Beirer remembers the beginnings of their project in tier 2 of Grand Prix motorcycle racing. ”Akrapovič had an exhaust for the Honda Moto2 engine, which was used by several teams. This was the one we used at the start of our Moto2 project too. Then we

During the last couple of years, the rivalry has become so fierce that even the smallest differences count in the fight for the elusive thousands of a second and therefore only aiming for the absolute perfection can still bring improvement.

went to Akrapovič, discussed several options and they said that they have an idea for our Moto2 which may help. They then built this system with two silencers and it really made a difference.”

If anything, every smallest detail has an even greater impact in Moto3, due to the relatively low 13,500 rpm rev-limit required by the regulations, and the fight between KTM and Honda has pushed both manufacturers to the limit in the past couple of years. That’s

16 / 21

how the Akrapovič titanium exhaust with two megaphones came about. “We talked about ideas and did a lot of tests in our workshop”, KTM-engine-developer Heinz Payreder

Aprilia Racing Team Gresini, MotoGP

remembers. “Then we provided them with a bike and following a lot of testing and retesting, we discovered that the version with a separate tube and megaphone for each single outlet valve is the best option for our bike.”

Only the best materials All three classes have one thing in common: saving weight wherever possible. That’s why Akrapovič uses lightweight titanium with a wall thickness of only 0.65 mm, developed for high temperatures and pressures and with antioxidation coating.

In MotoGP the number of engines allowed for each rider for one year is limited by the regulations.

Therefore, a special mesh was designed for the tailpipe to protect the engines from stones in the gravel trap, which may find their way through the exhaust to the outlet valves in case of a crash.

In the top motorbike championship class, valve systems are used to optimize the engine braking.

The pressures and vibrations are thus the highest there and that’s why the connections between each single part must be strong to prevent cracks.

MotoGP with its requirements is thus also the ultimate testing area for Akrapovič to continue developing their technologies.

Like doctor and patient The amount of input from the motorcycle manufacturer and from Akrapovič varies from case to case, but, according to Slavko Trstenjak, the important thing is that “all our partners are open to receiving and considering

20

Evolution

our advice while preparing their CAD-models.“ The Slovenian company’s expertise has, however, frequently enabled it to immediately offer a solution for their problems. “We are often in a position comparable to that of the relation between a doctor and patient,“ smiles Trstenjak. “We need to listen to the patient as well as possible can and come up with a diagnosis to find a solution for the problem.“

Praise by the manufacturers The main development aim for every manufacturer is to squeeze even more

Sky Racing Team VR46, Moto2

useful performance out of the engines, also in very close cooperation with Akrapovič.

“Sometimes we send them an idea, sometimes they send us one,” Ken Kawauchi, technical manager of Team SUZUKI ECSTAR’s MotoGP project, explains the procedure. “At the beginning and the end of every season our engineers go to the engine test bench at Akrapovič for joint testing.”

KTM engine developer Heinz Payreder shares a similar experience: “Of course they are seeking the limit just as we are. With the weight for example, and that can cause unforeseen consequences. Then one has to take a step back. In tuning our engines, we are working very closely with Akrapovič.

The principal tuning is done by us, because we need to set the ignition in conjunction in order to get the most out of the exhaust.

The fine tuning is done by Akrapovič in most cases.” And how long does it take to fine tune

Personal touch

an exhaust? Up to eight weeks, according to Hiroshi Itou, general manager of the Yamaha

Apart from the desire for top performance, it’s

Motorsports Development Division.

important for Akrapovič to add its personal touch.

Redox PrüstelGP, Moto3

“When we construct an exhaust we always try to give the product a special character with our

Best option

distinctive Akrapovič designs,” Alojz Trstenjak

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confides. But the company’s knowledge, thus Despite the tight schedule by the five manufacturers,

gained, is not limited to MotoGP. Sooner or later it

Akrapovič takes the time necessary for each of them

reaches the customers too. “MotoGP is the class

and that’s another ingredient for success in this

where new technologies are used first“, Trstenjak

unique story. “Akrapovič is very experienced, one can

states. “From there they spill over to other series,

call them any time and problems are solved relatively

like the Superbike World Championship, and

quickly,” KTM’s Heinz Payreder states.

eventually reach all of our customers.”

// Si Akrapovičevi izpušni sistemi v MotoGP, Moto2 in Moto3 Podjetje Akrapovič razvija izpušne sisteme za pet od šestih tovarniških ekip v MotoGP (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, Winnow Ducati Mission, Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP, Team SUZUKI ECSTAR) in za številne ekipe, ki sodelujejo v Moto2 in Moto3. Inženirji proizvajalcev in slovenski strokovnjaki s skupnimi močmi nenehno premikajo meje možnega in dolgoročno tudi kakovost svojih serijskih izdelkov. V zadnjih letih se je konkurenca v vseh treh razredih svetovnega prvenstva tako izostrila, da v boju za tisočinke sekunde štejejo najmanjše razlike, tako da le stremenje po absolutni popolnosti omogoča napredovanje.

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Bike Stuff Akrapovič exhaust systems are designed for riders who demand maximum performance from their motorcycles.

They feature exceptional production quality, hi-tech materials, increased engine performance and all come with amazing sound and appearance as standard. The change is also visual, as Akrapovič mufflers perfectly fit the exterior line of modern motorcycles and add a clean racing image.

Bike Stuff

by Mitja Reven

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Honda Monkey More power Less weight

Suzuki RM-Z250 + 1.2 kW (1.6 HP) / 6,200 rpm - 1.1 kg (- 27.5 %)

BMW R 1250 GS + 1.3 kW (1.7 HP) / 5,750 rpm - 0.7 kg (- 12.7 %)

Suzuki Katana + 2.0 kW (2.7 HP) / 8,150 rpm - 1.1 kg (- 44.0 %)

Kawasaki Versys 1000 + 2.4 kW (3.3 HP) / 5,400 rpm - 3.2 kg (- 54.2 %)

Yamaha YZF-R125 + 0.3 kW (0.4 HP) / 8,850 rpm - 1.7 kg (- 36.2 %)

Because of the world-wide distribution of Akrapovič d.d. products, we make no representation that the products shown comply with the air, noise or other emission laws of your jurisdiction. Hence, please make sure you have all the relevant information before you consider purchasing any of the products. You are welcome to contact our local partner in your country if you have any questions or turn to page 4 and our website at www.akrapovic.com for additional information.

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Car Stuff

by Mitja Reven

Car Stuff

Check out the latest Akrapovič aftermarket exhaust systems for cars, where only the best materials and exclusive titanium alloys are used. These materials are combined with high technology and exquisite craftsmanship of Akrapovič welders to create a package that separates them from everything else on the market.

BMW M2 Competition (F87N) + 17.4 kW (23.7 HP) / 4,750 rpm, + 32.4 Nm / 4,750 rpm, - 20.2 kg (- 47.0 %) Titanium, Evolution Link pipe set, Carbon fibre tailpipe set, Carbon fibre diffuser – matte & high gloss, Carbon fibre mirror cap set – matte & high gloss, Downpipe, Akrapovič Sound Kit

Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio + 3.7 kW (5.0 HP) / 6,750 rpm, + 14.3 Nm / 2,850 rpm, - 4.1 kg (- 14.3 %) Titanium, Carbon fibre tailpipe set, Downpipe, Akrapovič Sound Kit

BMW 340i (F30, F31) / 440i (F32, F33) - with OPF / GPF + 6.6 kW (8.9 HP) / 6,200 rpm, + 9.0 Nm / 2,780 rpm, - 4.4 kg (- 43.2 %) Titanium, Evolution Link pipe set, Carbon fibre tailpipe set, Downpipe, Akrapovič Sound Kit, Adjustable Acoustic Reflector

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Porsche 911 GT3 RS (991.2) Rear Carbon Fiber Diffuser with Ceramic Composite Tail Pipe Set for the Porsche 911 GT3 RS (991.2) Limited edition of 20 sets.

Travel With Us

24 / 29

Travel With Us

by Primož Jurman photography Uroš Kekuš Kleva

Michael van der Mark and Yamaha’s three-wheeled Niken show us Rotterdam

Dial six-oh for Rotterdam Rotterdam, located at the mouth of the Nieuwe Maas River, is the largest European port and the second largest Dutch city. It boasts a rich history, vibrant social life, daring modern architecture and a wealth of green surfaces. The abovementioned alone is reason enough to warrant a visit, but the pot was further sweetened by the fact that our guide was a Pata Yamaha WorldSBK Team rider and a native of Rotterdam, Michael van der Mark. And to make discovering the city even more interesting, we went about it on Yamaha’s three-wheeled Niken, equipped with an Akrapovič exhaust.

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24

A cold westerly wind was lashing against

and was greatly popularised by the culinary and

the shore and howling around the corners

gastronomic prowess of the trio of Daan van der

of skyscrapers (a rare sight in Holland) in

Have, Hans Loos and Dorine de Vos.

Rotterdam’s centre on the day we met Michael

As guests enter the lobby through the small

and his girlfriend Nadieh in the city’s famous

revolving wooden door, they are first greeted by

New York hotel.

a porter dressed in red. In our case it was Arie;

There is no better place to start discovering

the hotel’s legend and almost its trademark.

the city than the 4-star venue located

The furnishings and atmosphere remind one of

on the Wilhelmina Pier in the Kop van

the time when Europeans were seeking fortune

Zuid neighbourhood, just a stone’s throw

across the Atlantic, when they were ready to

away from the modern Erasmus bridge.

sell all they had and bet everything on making it

The neighbourhood, with its ultramodern

happen on the other side of the pond. Computer

skyscrapers, looks like a European Manhattan.

screens and plastic have no domicile in a place

The hotel used to be the headquarters of the

where wood and metal reign supreme, yet the

Holland America Line which carried numerous

Wi-Fi is excellent as is the room’s new flat-

European emigrants to New York and America,

screen TV. The furnishings, however, provide

then the promised land, at the end of the 19th

a proper old school experience. A photo of

and the beginning of the 20th century. Can

Michael van der Mark with Arie, himself a fan

you imagine that New York was a six-day sail

of the Dutch rider, is mandatory as the couple

away back then? Almost a week! The building,

arrive at the hotel.

designed in 1901 by architects J. Muller and Droogleever Fortuijn, is a part of the country’s

Hidden Rotterdam

cultural heritage. The hotel, located near the

Rotterdam, despite being an open city situated

Dutch Photo Museum, the Nieuwe Luxor

at sea level and traversed by a web of canals,

theatre, the administrative building of the Port

still contains quite a few hidden corners,

of Rotterdam Authority and the giant cruise

worthy of a visit, according to Michael, with

ship terminal, opened its doors in May 1998

whom we actually spent more time discussing

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24 / 29

Travel With Us

27

the city itself rather than the World Superbike Championship, where he continues to ride for the Pata Yamaha WorldSBK Team. He was not talking about the “Top 10 Must See” attractions, sought online by instant tourists, either. He pointed out the old port and the city centre as well as the 1NUL8 wine bar on Meent Street, a regular haunt of his as well as a magnet for the young with a supposedly very cool atmosphere.

Michael moreover enjoys the sight of Erasmus Bridge, opened in 1996, because of the beauty of its arch and its steep incline which he uses for running and stamina boosting exercises, as he lives nearby. He believes the bridge is especially spectacular at night when the lighting kicks in. While Michael is sipping his mint tea, the kitchen is preparing sea delicacies, as the hotel is renowned for its succulent selection of oysters and crabs. Michael says that Rotterdam and its surroundings are famous for the bitterballen meatballs, but to him all food in the city tastes great, subject to one’s personal preferences, obviously. He adds that he was not born in Rotterdam, but rather in the small town of Gouda, the place that gave the name to one of the world’s most beloved cheeses. After a pleasant meet with Michael and absorbing the info about Rotterdam’s hidden sights, we

Who is Michael van der Mark Michael van der Mark (b. 1992) is a Dutch motorcycle rider, competing for the Pata Yamaha WorldSBK Team. He was European Champion in 2012 in the 600 Superstock category, took part in the FIM Endurance World Championship, was a member of the winning teams at the prestigious Suzuka 8 Hours endurance race and won the Supersport World Championship in 2014. He switched over to Superbike in 2015 and made his first MotoGP appearance in 2017, while also winning his third Suzuka 8 Hours, a feat he then repeated in 2018 as well. His bike number is 60.

wished him all the best in the coming season and headed out, as it was time to experience the city for ourselves.

Through the city on a Niken Yamaha’s three-wheeled Niken awaits in front of the hotel, next to its “old school” barber shop, also called New York. It will be interesting to see how it will handle the city even though we do not expect any traffic adventures characteristic of Europe’s south, because the Dutch are disciplined drivers, while bikes have been given full domicile here.

But let us address the elephant in the room first. Three-wheels? How? Us riders have always maintained that two wheels are enough – anything more is overkill. Yet this definitely IS a motorcycle. And a very innovative one to boot, with advanced technology at the front, an attractive design and simply exceptional handling. When Eric de Seynes, Yamaha Motor Europe President, unveiled it at the Milan EICMA Motorcycle Show, it seemed as if we were looking at a Transformer with blue coloured double front forks, just waiting to change into… well anything really. The two front wheels, themselves quite a sight, are hemmed in by another visually striking element – tandem telescopic suspension. It is powered by the trusty three-cylinder CP3 engine, also used in the Tracer and MT-09 bikes, that comes with three modes of operation. Its 115 HP is lively enough to produce a punch and also powerful enough that only a sufficiently capable (motorcycle) hand can tame it.

All of the above is coursing through my mind alongside Michelin’s pointers regarding Rotterdam’s attractions as I bring the machine

to life accompanied by the pleasant sound of an Akrapovič exhaust system. A mere 15 minutes later I am travelling towards the city centre in moderate early afternoon traffic, patiently waiting for green lights at intersections, riding by the famous yellow cube residential houses, designed by architect Piet Blom, and closing in on the city market, another highlight of the city, which opened in 2014. But before getting there to check the day’s offerings, several locals as well as two police patrols stop by my side to take a closer look; the Niken proves a huge point of interest and is even photographed. I enter into a long conversation with Johan, a nice police officer who is very excited about the Niken.

People come up and ask questions in Dutch, as my ride is equipped with Dutch license plates, but quickly switch to English after me telling them that I have no idea what they want. The switch presents no problems whatsoever.

The market hall is famous for its vaulted glass ceiling with murals of vegetables, fish, produce and foodstuffs, a true kaleidoscope of global foods. I am engulfed by a cacophony of sounds, the air is dense with the smells and voices from all over the world. The stroopwafels, thin Dutch waffles with a caramel syrup filling, are a must and are especially delicious here. The market is surrounded by a wealth of pleasant restaurants and bars, but the uncourteous westerly wind does not want to calm down one bit, even knocking bicycles over.

To the other side I return to my bike, which kind of resembles a scorpion or a shark – the width of a bodybuilder at the front and a narrow rear. I get on and it feels quite heavy while standing still. 263 kilograms is not exactly featherweight category and although the weight melts away after the first few metres two new challenges appear: the rider does not know exactly where the front wheels are travelling and that front part really is wide.

Both challenges can be overcome after a bit of practice and adjustment, so they disappear after a few kilometres. I cruise through the Kralingen, which is not exactly known as a tourist district, but whose student population and interesting bars make it that much more authentic. This is followed by a city loop, passing over countless bridges, squares, the city hall and numerous parks, but then it was time to return our bike and our adventure came to its end.

Our guide was a Rotterdam native, who also happens to compete in the World Superbike Championship, Michael van der Mark. In order to make exploring the city even more interesting, we chose Yamaha’s three-wheeled Niken, equipped with an Akrapovič exhaust.

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Travel With Us

Rotterdam facts and figures Area first settled in the 11th century City founded in 1270 after a dam was constructed on the Rotte river Until 2004 the world’s largest port with a surface area of 105 sq km.

Inhabited by 625,000 residents of 200 nationalities City area covers 208.88 sq. km.

The Euromast, the tallest building in the Netherlands, stands at 185 metres tall

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Up till now us riders would say that two wheels were enough.

Yamaha’s three-wheeled Niken is very innovative, featuring advanced technology at the front, an attractive design and simply exceptional handling.

// Si Kliči šest-nič za Rotterdam Rotterdam je največje evropsko pristanišče in drugo največje nizozemsko mesto, ujeto ob ustje reke Nieuwe Maas. Mesto se ponaša z bogato zgodovino, zanimivim družabnim življenjem, drzno sodobno arhitekturo in obiljem zelenih površin. Naš vodič po mestu je bil domačin, Michael van der Mark, dirkač svetovnega prvenstva razreda Superbike. Spoznavanje mesta je bilo še bolj zanimivo, ker smo se ga lotili na Yamahinem trikolesniku Niken, opremljenim z Akrapovičevim izpuhom. Michael van der Mark (letnik 1992) je nizozemski dirkač, član tovarniške ekipe Pata Yamaha WorldSBK Team. Leta 2012 je postal evropski prvak razreda 600 Superstock, v naslednjih dveh letih je bil v sklopu svetovnega prvenstva v vzdržljivosti (FIM Endurance World Championship) član zmagovalnih ekip na prestižni dirki 8-ur Suzuke, leta 2014 je osvojil tudi naslov svetovnega prvaka razreda Supersport. Leta 2015 je prestopil v razred Superbike, leta 2017 je prvič nastopil v razredu MotoGP in istega leta je še tretjič zmagal na dirki 8-ur Suzuke. V Suzuki je bil najboljši tudi lani. Nosi štartno številko 60.

Story

by Matevž Hribar photography Kawasaki Racing Team, Gold and Goose Photography

L e o n H a s l a m , n e w K a w a s a k i R a c i n g Te a m m e m b e r

A F T E R A B A D S H OT, YO U H AV E TO S TAY C A L M Provec Racing, the team flying the green colours of Kawasaki in the FIM Superbike World Championship, e n t e r e d t h e n e w s e a s o n u n d e r t h e s l o g a n “g a n b a r o u” , w h i c h i n J a p a n e s e m e a n s s o m e t h i n g l i k e “ w e’ l l fa c e o u r c h a l l e n g e s a n d d o o u r b e s t “ . To r e i n f o r c e t h i s i d e a , t h e f o u r- t i m e s u c c e s s i v e w o r l d c h a m p i o n J o n at h a n R e a w a s j o i n e d o n t h e t e a m b y h i s l o n g - t i m e f r i e n d L e o n H a s l a m .

“Many riders can find it difficult to separate this,

adopting my style rather than adopting the bike,”

but Johnny and I have been racing together for

Leon explains the difference between the bike

14 years,” Leon answered when asked whether

that helped him win the 2018 British Superbike

he could extinguish track-related sparks later in

Championship and his current ride, with which

a pub. “I always say that even if my father was in

he take on the best in the world.

front of me on the last lap, I would try to overtake him just as any other rider.” An interesting titbit: both Leon and Jonathan come from the same racing school and former rider and riding instructor Ron Haslam still accompanies his son, who has been riding bikes since he was four, currently acting mainly as a spotter to record and help Leon analyse his ride.

Adjustment to the new bike

on that day fifth place was the best result.”

Tom Sykes and the high expectations due to his

This is a trait that he has also picked up from

recent successes and the team’s four back-to

his beloved golf. “I actually find it quite good

back world titles, Leon believes that there is

for the mind. It makes you switch off and it

actually less pressure on him – because he knows

teaches you to control your anger. After a bad

he is part of a true heavyweight team. “I can rely

shot you have to stay calm – which is exactly

on them and their experiences over the last years

what you need to do on your bike.”

and they can give me the bike to do what I need strong factory support, the best bike, the best suspension and the best exhaust system.”

and smooth and linear. On the BSB bike you controlled the ECU, there was no traction control, no electronics. One percent more hand movement was one percent more speed, so the feeling was more aggressive. On this bike, honestly, I’m finding more performance in

in 2018. “In the past I would always override

Regardless of having replaced the experienced

is most certainly on a roll, though he has had

Electronics is making the power perfectly nice

consequently ‘only’ crashed his bike twice

to be fifth, I wanted to be third. But maybe

to do. If you want to win, you need the following:

there is more horsepower, there is less feeling.

track all the time might not always work and

Less pressure

competitive British Superbike Championship,

based on the Ninja ZX-10RR. “Even though

He learnt in recent years that giving 110 % on

the bike and crash; if I was fifth, I didn’t want

Leon, last year’s champion in the immensely

to adjust to the new bike despite it also being

After a bad shot you have to stay calm

30 / 31 Story

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31

Inte r v iew

32 / 37 Interview

Bernie Ecclestone

by Miran Ališič photography Bor Dobrin, Arthur Thill/ATP

I DIDN’T HAVE A VISION, IT JUST HAPPENED “A pretty decent career for a used car salesman,” Bernard Charles Ecclestone once said about himself. He did not want to slow down even at 86, when Liberty Media Corporation, the new owner of Formula 1, asked him to step down as the company’s CEO in January 2017. It was more than just his company, Formula 1 as we know it today is his lifetime achievement. Bernie, as everybody in the Formula 1 paddock calls him, is a billionaire, but money doesn’t mean anything to him. It’s just a tool for measuring success. His office in the basement of a sleek glass tower in London’s Knightsbridge, overlooking Hyde Park, was packed with contracts, although he never needed one. His handshake was all that was required and it worked for him perfectly. Trust and respect was Ecclestone’s modus operandi, as would be agreed by almost everyone who had a chance to deal with him. Bernie says that people misunderstood his words too often and, being British, it would be impolite to just say “no”. “’Let’s see what we can do’ does not always mean yes,” Bernie explains as we meet in his romantic alpine chalet style Hotel Olden in Gstaad, Switzerland.

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33

You recently moved to Switzerland permanently. Why? Yes, I did. I’ve liked Switzerland for many, many

asked. In Switzerland nobody bothers. You can’t

(pause) You have to be made for politics. You

expect somebody from here to come, knock

need to want it and like it. I never had time for

on our door and ask why not have a race in

that. I had no time to go to a million meetings to

Switzerland.

discuss things. I always liked to think something

years and I wanted to move my business here some 30 years ago. However, people in the company didn’t want to leave London, so we stayed there. But now I’m free and I could finally make the move.

It’s quite strange that you chose to move to the country which banned circuit racing in 1955 after the tragedy in Le Mans. And the Swiss still haven’t changed their mind. Does that bother you?

But now they have Formula E. So, there is no ban anymore.

Perhaps another strange reason for you opting for Switzerland is that in your business life you have always preferred leading with an iron fist over the democratic methods. I’m saying that because debating and consensus-seeking is more or less the norm in Switzerland, the home of direct democracy on all levels, from tiny communities up to the federal government. Do you agree?

I’m not sure if you are right. (pause) You probably are, though, it’s quite democratic here, much more than in many other countries.

That race is an exception, according to the Swiss government.

Look, it happened many, many, many years ago.

Perhaps we would have been able to come here again with Formula 1, but we never asked.

They asked and got permission. We just never

Elsewhere they pretend to be democratic, but they are not. Is America really a democratic

is good or bad and then take a chance. Look what they did in Britain with this European question, they dealt with it in the wrong way. It became too political, they should have said this is what we are going to do and let’s get on with it instead of talking about it at a million meetings without results.

You have been able to see the world change for many years now. Why has politics become so different or let say unpredictable?

It’s a profession now. What upsets me a little bit is that I wonder how these people would get on with the real world out there, as entrepreneurs if you like. They are trained to do things in a

country? I don’t know…

particular way, they don’t care how long it’s going

Have you ever been or are you still interested in politics, I mean do you follow political debates, voting, and the like?

view it’s the wrong way.

to take to get an answer and from my point of

How did you end up with cars and bikes? Why motorsport? You grew up

“Formula 1 should have stayed where it started. MotoGP remained much more like it used to be. And it is successful.”

Bernie Ecclestone

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32 / 37 Interview

in a poor suburban family in England, so cars and motorsport were not really an obvious path for you.

I was racing with bicycles. I was always some kind of a racer. Then I switched to motorcycles.

I already had a motorcycle business and moving into cars was the obvious next step. So I got involved in car racing and later I bought Brabham and that’s when the problems started.

Or we could perhaps say that the takeover of Formula 1 started and you then transformed it into the global show business we know today?

When the teams met me back then, they asked if I could run the business for them under certain conditions. They didn’t like this business part of it, they just wanted to race. The teams said ‘You do the rest, run the business, do whatever you like. We don’t want any responsibility.’ I had to guarantee payments for the teams. Personally.

Whether I got the money from the promoters or not, they didn’t really care.

Did cars perhaps have some special meaning for you as a teenager or a young boy? (pause) I suppose the answer is yes, but I don’t remember to what extent.

You have always been regarded as a very sharp, strong, maybe even an impossible person to negotiate a reasonable deal with, although we always maintained fair and straightforward business relations.

Why and how did you get this aura of unpleasantness?

Early in your life as an entrepreneur you have to do things and maybe have some hard arguments and you get a reputation for being difficult or something else and this stays with you all your life. Even more so today, because as soon as something is printed or published online, journalists copy it and it spreads very fast. It became difficult to read some stuff and believe it to be true. And anyway, different people find other people in different ways.

Let’s take a small detour. You are the owner of this charming alpine hotel Olden in Gstaad. How did it happen?

Tell us in a few words how you made this decision some 20 years ago?

I used to come here as a customer. The lady who was running it, Hedi, got into difficulties and was looking for investors. There were six people involved, and as it’s already difficult with two people to agree on something, six would have been impossible. At the end it looked as if the hotel would have to close. That wouldn’t be nice, I thought. So, I agreed to buy it from them. That’s what happened.

A very spontaneous decision?

Yeah. Somebody, a real estate man, was looking for a potential buyer and offered it to me. And I bought it.

Why did you start the Formula 1 Constructors’ Association? Was it to gain power, to make money, to bring Formula 1 more in line with your vision?

I was previously in Formula 1 helping some friends. Stuart Lewis-Evans was the first one, he grew up where I had my business and I knew his father well, so we travelled together and I looked after his business part of racing.

Something similar later happened with Jochen Rindt. But all this FOCA involvement actually started with Brabham after I bought the team in the early ‘70s. I was 40 at that time and I sold all my businesses and focused purely on running a Formula 1 team.

I’m asking it because I would like to know how much of the vision you had

kept secret for a long time. What makes Ferrari so special even 30 years after the death of Enzo Ferrari?

If you go out on the street and ask an average passer-by, not a huge Formula 1 fan, who won the last World Championship, he would probably say Ferrari. And if you asked him who was the driver, the answer would probably be Niki Lauda. That’s about it. The brand is that strong.

Why didn’t you stop the regulation stipulating this extremely expensive system of rechargeable energy that lacks the proper sound? Weren’t you in the dislike group from the very start?

It was Max Mosley’s idea to go with a smaller engine to get more manufacturers on board.

I wasn’t sure it would work. So we asked the manufacturers whether they would join us if we brought in these new engines. They weren’t explicit, but Max was convinced they would as

everything. Had we sat here three years ago and I were to tell you what was going to happen in the world overall, not just politics, you would have probably said, Bernie, you are totally mad... But it happened.

And, I think, it’s going to continue like that.

It’s all changing so fast now, new ideas, communication between people from all over the world in real time. Exchanging ideas became really simple and many people have many ideas they want to share and try them out and this is happening now.

Should Formula 1 have stayed with its roots or continued transforming with the changing world?

It should have stayed where it started. MotoGP remained much more like it used to be. And it is successful.

So you are suggesting to go back to the roots. Formula 1’s history has seen almost 80 teams competing, but now we have an exclusive club of 10 teams with only three of them

“I was racing with bicycles. I was always some kind of a racer.

Then I switched to motorcycles. I already had a motorcycle business and moving into cars was the obvious next step. So I got involved in car racing and later I bought Brabham and that’s when the problems started.”

Bernie Ecclestone for Formula 1 back then can we see today?

None. Zero. I just wanted to run Brabham, that’s all. When we got together with other team owners I realised that things weren’t run properly. Nobody really ran it. Teams used to do deals directly with the promoters, even Ferrari.

they needed a new direction. The problem is not the engine itself, but the way it was conceived and has nothing to do with Formula 1, has nothing to do with anything really.

Do you believe that the sounds and smells are an essential part of motorsport?

capable of winning races. It’s hard to imagine that we could get those entrepreneurs back on board, as was the case in the past.

Let say, you and I would like to start a Formula 1 team now. First we would need an engine.

We would probably opt for Mercedes. The best engine, why not? And then we would

If teams had to win races to get the points, the promoters wouldn’t even pay them because

It’s obviously a competition. But yes, if

be dependent on Mercedes. We wouldn’t

they knew that the teams would have to be at

independent teams get the power back in

like to go against Mercedes at the technical

the track and I thought that was not really the

Formula 1, they would find a way to use

regulation meetings. A person from Mercedes

way to go.

atmospheric V8 or V10 engines again. I also

or any other manufacturer would expect us to

believe that, should you ask the public, they

agree with what they want. So, it’s difficult to

would love to have those screaming engines

do anything.

Your first memory of meeting Enzo Ferrari? Do you still remember it?

A very nice memory. Lovely guy. Very straightforward – when he wanted to be. (smile) We got on very well.

You always said Ferrari was the most important team on the starting grid and “we better keep them happy”. Ferrari negotiated better bonuses with you in the last Concorde Agreement and that was

back. Spectators would love that noise back.

The car as an object of desire or technical innovation is somehow losing its appeal with the young.

Will it affect the future of motorsport?

You have been out of the Formula 1 cockpit for two and a half years. The changes made were rather cosmetic and I didn’t see any new directions.

And you?

I don’t know. What I do know and you are

Let me answer it in an easier way for me. If we

correct with this observation, young people

hadn’t sold the shares to Liberty, what would

aren’t mad about cars anymore. The world

my policies be. I wouldn’t bother the rule with

is going through a complete change of

cost cap, the manufacturers would find the way

32 / 37 Interview

to spend their money anyway. I liked the old F1

know what it bought. American people are not

logo better, but this is not important, I liked grid

mad for Formula 1. They bought a company from

girls too. What I don’t like is Formula 1 races

an octogenarian who ran it for 40 years and

on the telephones and small devices. I believe

were convinced that ‘we Americans’ could do

sport events are much better seen on the big

a better job than he was doing. This is a public

screen. The sponsors don’t like small monitors,

company, so they need to do things. And they

you can’t read their logos on the cars or around

are doing things.

the circuit. They will soon ask themselves why spend so much money on something nobody can really see. And I don’t understand what social media does. I don’t think you can make people more interested in Formula 1 through social media. So, I think Liberty didn’t really

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This interview will be published in a magazine, owned by Igor Akrapovič, who has a long relationship with the Grobnik circuit near Rijeka, Croatia. He raced there on his motorcycle and even now, the

company sometimes uses Grobnik for testing and promotions. Your exwife Slavica comes from Rijeka and you wanted to bring Formula 1 to Grobnik in the ’90s. What happened?

Croatian people. They couldn’t make up their minds about what to do and what not to do.

And had they decided to go ahead, how much money should go to them. Whatever anybody offered them wouldn’t be enough, because they would think they were being cheated. But it would be a good place to host a Formula 1 race.

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// Si Bernie Ecclestone: “Nisem imel vizije, vse se je le zgodilo.”

“Precej spodobna kariera za prodajalca rabljenih avtomobilov, “ je nekoč rekel o sebi Bernard Charles Ecclestone. Ni želel upočasniti svojega dela niti pri 86 letih, ko ga je Liberty Media Corporation, novi lastnik Formule 1, januarja 2017 prosil, da odstopi s položaja generalnega direktorja podjetja. Bilo je več kot le njegovo podjetje, Formula 1, kot jo poznamo danes, je njegov življenjski dosežek. Bernie, kot ga kličejo vsi v Formuli 1, je milijarder, ampak denar mu nič ne pomeni. To je samo orodje za merjenje uspeha. Njegova pisarna v kleti elegantnega steklenega stolpa v londonskem Knightsbridgeu z razgledom na Hyde Park je bila polna pogodb, čeprav jih nikoli ni potreboval. Njegov stisk roke je bilo vse, kar je bilo potrebno in je zanj delovalo odlično. Zaupanje in spoštovanje sta bila Ecclestonova načina delovanja, o čemer bi se strinjali skoraj vsi, ki so imeli opravka z njim. Bernie pravi, da so ljudje prepogosto napačno razumeli njegove besede in da bi bilo od Britanca nevljudno, da bi rekel ne. “Poglejmo, kaj lahko storimo, ne pomeni vedno da,” je dejal Bernie, ko smo se srečali v njegovem romantičnem hotelu v alpskem stilu – v Hotelu Olden v Gstaadu v Švici.

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70’ STYLE Meet the Gucci Navigator sunglasses with Double G. Repurposed at the centre of an enameled oval, the Double G is a House code pulled straight from the ‘70s archive. Here, the Guilloché detail defines the ends of a pair of navigator sunglasses in black acetate. The Gucci script enhances the top bar. With yellow lens and 100 % UVA/UVB protection these stylish glasses are a must have for this Spring/Summer season.

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Cham pion

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ÁLVARO BAUTISTA

PERFECT C OMBINA TIO N Álvaro Bautista tested his mettle in all classes of motorcycle road racing and began acquiring his wealth of experience at the age of three, when he sat on a bike for the first time. He won a world championship title in 125cc before finding his newest challenge on a Ducati in the World Superbike Championship as he approaches the twilight of his racing career. But don’t think that he’s down and out just yet – quite the contrary, he has won all eleven races at the start of the 2019 season.

40 / 41 Champion

by Primož Jurman photography Ducati, Gold and Goose Photography The Spaniard from Talavera de la Reina, who will celebrate his 35th birthday this year, is thus not lacking in the racing experience department at the top level. He first sat on a bike when he was three years old; not a surprise, really, since his father owned a motorbike repair shop. The desire to go racing constantly burned in Álvaro after that first contact and it came true when he was eight years old. In 2002 he made his appearance in the 125cc World Championship with 2006 bringing the breakthrough in the guise of a World Champion title. Winning the championship also meant a move to the 250cc class, where he remained until 2010, when his dream came true by moving up to MotoGP. During his last two years in MotoGP he has proven to Ducati that he gets along well with the Italian machine, with the result that Aruba.it Racing - Ducati invited him to race for them in 2019 on their new Panigale V4 R, equipped with an Akrapovič exhaust system. They certainly made the right decision, as the Spaniard won eleven times at the first four venues this year. In 2019 the riders do two normal races during the weekend with an additional shorter Superpole race taking place on Sunday morning. After his perfect tally in Thailand, he declared: “Three wins, three fastest laps and the Superpole means that it has been a perfect weekend for me!”

New bike for a new season A rule of motorsport states that only complete harmony between man and machine produces victories. Álvaro, who has already visited Akrapovič in Slovenia, found that harmony on the new Panigale V4 R and has seemingly melded perfectly with the bike. Ducati’s 32 years in the World Superbike Championship mean that it has been a WorldSBK fixture since the very beginning in 1988. And a very successful one, as it has so far won 14 World Champion titles alongside 17 Manufacturers’ crowns. Panigale V4 R is the first four-cylinder engine from Bologna to take part in the WorldSBK. It was developed by the Italian company from its roadworthy counterpart, unveiled at the EICMA 2017 in Milan, and upgraded with the knowhow and experience acquired in the MotoGP World Championship. Apart from the solutions found on previous Ducati models, this WorldSBK contender features original and advanced technical solutions for its frame, electronics, aerodynamics and, of course, exhaust, because Akrapovič also cooperates with the Mission Winnow Ducati works team in MotoGP.

Visit With Us

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by Karin Sturm

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photography Bor Dobrin

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Motorsports must remain close to the people

He is very much in demand. A few weeks before the start of the new DTM season there’s quite a buzz in the sacred halls of Audi Sport, where the new cars are being readied. And right there in the middle, always calm and relaxed, masterfully juggling dates and tasks, is Romolo Liebchen, chairman for purchase, quality management and partnerships at Audi Sport.

He has only just returned from a very different venue of international motorsport, a Formula E race in Hong Kong, where Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler and its customer team Evasion Virgin Racing are very successful too.

ROMOLO LIEBCHEN, Audi Sport

But at the moment, it’s the DTM that is once again in the centre of attention. The new regulations demanding four-cylinder turbos instead of the outgoing naturally aspirated eight-cylinder engines and many other minor and major changes are providing the engineers with new challenges – and everybody’s hands are quite full accordingly. But the step was important, Liebchen emphasizes,

“I always said that I never want to work in Formula 1. They are too far removed from reality for me. Motorsports must remain close to

for several reasons. First there is the new overall

the ground, close to the people. That’s very important for the DTM

direction in motorsports, where the trend is

as well. The fans must have the chance to touch the cars and be

definitively towards the smaller, more energy efficient engines, with manufacturers scrambling

able to approach the drivers – their heroes. And there should be

to include these new tendencies in communication

some connection with the serially produced cars.”

and marketing. “Secondly,” says Liebchen, “the races should become more attractive as a result.

The cars’ performance is much better now. They

Romolo Liebchen

have a higher top speed, lower weight and more torque.” Gerhard Berger, the new head of DTM, seems to have successfully worked with the manufacturers and they have achieved significant progress. And thirdly, the move is also important for the international orientation of the DTM: “With the new regulations in place, the long-considered cooperation with the Japanese supercar series is now becoming an option.”

Racing is just entertainment Liebchen doesn’t think that new elements like the push-to-pass “overtake-button”, introduced to increase the series’ appeal, will make DTM races look too artificial: “I’m quite relaxed about it, and my experience with Formula E has helped here. Racing is just entertainment.”

Turbo is nothing new for Akrapovič The changes also affect important partners like Akrapovič. “Naturally, the exhaust system of a turbo engine is different to that of a normally aspirated one. There are different requirements regarding the temperature, the turbocharger’s incorporation into the system and so on.” Despite the comprehensive changes required for the exhaust, Romolo is not concerned in the least regarding the Slovenian company’s ability to deliver. Turbo is nothing new for Akrapovič. “They have been producing exhausts for many high-performance road cars with turbo engines. I’d say that they have mastered it by now, also due to their extensive experience with and use of titanium, the corrosion behaviour and durability of which meets and exceeds the standards of serial production. This is what makes Akrapovič unique.”

A very innovative and youngthinking outfit It was Liebchen who brought Akrapovič and Audi together around ten years ago – he knew the name because he has been a huge motorcycle fan for a long time. “When I finally got to know the company personally, I immediately understood that this is a very innovative and young-thinking outfit. It’s obvious from the way they present and market themselves – that’s really extraordinary.” Back then, the

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cooperation was for the Audi Diesel, which was poised to rule the LMP1 and the 24 Hours of Le Mans for years. Liebchen was responsible for the exhaust system in the racing development department. “It was always about weight and Akrapovič was the only company which really knew how to work with titanium. Before that we worked with other suppliers for many years, but from the moment we learnt about the benefits of titanium, we realized that there was only one way – the via Akrapovič. The first matter was the diesel particulate filter, something all experts told us would never work. But it did.”

First contact with Audi Sport Liebchen – who originates from Reit im Winkl close to the Austrian border in Bavaria – met motorsport through the only major event in his neighborhood. It was the Austrian motorcycle Grand Prix at the Salzburgring back in the 1980s. He remembers well his first contact with Audi Sport – on the motorway between Munich and Nuremberg. Telling the story, he can’t keep himself from smiling, the eyes of the true racer beaming brightly: “I was on my way to a schoolmate’s house, passing Ingolstadt, and suddenly an S1 Rally Quattro is going full throttle on the motorway. Bam, bam, bam... Then full brake, then full throttle again. I tried to follow with my motorcycle... That thing was raising hell with its sound – he drove out again at the Köschinger Forst. That was so around 1984 or 85 – the time of the real, wild group B cars.”

To BMW as an occupation But professionally he didn’t go to Ingolstadt first, but rather to BMW’s motorcycle department in Munich. However, because “the recruitment situation was not to my liking, I applied at Audi as an engine designer. I received an invitation – but during the interview they told me that there were no available vacancies in that department.

But then they told me that they were urgently looking for somebody in motorsports... Soon after I got the job. Then I went back to my friends in Munich and I told them: ‘I am with Audi now.’”

Around 30 years with Audi Originally he planned to stay with Audi for two to three years, but it has tallied up to about 30 years now – and Liebchen’s private bike is also a part of Audi group today: a Ducati... But there was one thing he never chased during all this time: entering Formula 1. Liebchen has his feet planted too firmly on the ground for that: “I always said that I never want to work in Formula 1. They are too far removed from reality for me.

Motorsports must remain close to the ground, close to the people. That’s very important for the DTM as well. The fans must have the chance to touch the cars and be able to approach the drivers – their heroes. And there should be some connection with the serially produced cars.”

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Portrait Alex Zanardi

DAYTONA – THE SCORE REMAINS UNSETTLED

by Volker Hirth photography BMW, Hoch Zwei

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An ungated level crossing. You’re passing over it. Your car gets stuck. Right on the rails. A fast train approaches. Get out? Too late! A nightmare.

A catastrophe. Alex Zanardi has lived through it.

Not on rails, but on the race track. 15th September 2001, Lausitzring. The US racing series CART has a stopover in Europe and the former Formula 1 driver Zanardi is one of the poster boys of the sport. He was champion twice. On this fatal day he accelerated a little too much when leaving the pits. Some kind of liquid made him spin and lose control as he returned to the track. His colleague Alex Tagliani – approaching at full throttle – had no way of avoiding him. The impact tore the front of Zanardi’s racing car to pieces, and with it the driver’s legs. There was nothing left to be saved.

Except for Zanardi’s life. That in itself was almost a miracle, but from then on it was a life without legs.

No more getting up? Quite the opposite – as quickly as possible. Alex Zanardi began a wonderful race. A race about a complete comeback to his life, including everything he loved to do before and would love to do again. For example, sitting in a race car. What prostheses can’t do is done by hand now. BMW among others made it possible. Engaging the clutch and opening the throttle by hand. It can all be done. And with Zanardi, it can be done at a very high level. Back in January, he made his first-ever start at the 24 hours of Daytona. It has always been a dream of his to race there. It never happened before his accident. This time he did it with a BMW M8 GTE. It went fantastically for team BMW. His teammates won in the GTLM class. Zanardi and his crew were a little bit unlucky and they finished in 9th. Nevertheless, Daytona was THE adventure for him.

Overwhelming welcome by the fans

And that’s how it happened. In the World Touring Car Championship he won four times with BMW between 2005

Americans have a special place in their hearts for people

and 2009 and his latest victory to date was in the M6 GT3

who beat the odds; who don’t surrender; who get back

at the season final of the 2016 Italian GT in Mugello.

up although it seems impossible. “The welcome by the fans was overwhelming,” Zanardi still enthuses today. “All

Fourtimes gold at the Paralympics

seemed to be so happy to have me with them again. As if nothing had changed in all those years since my CART period. All carried something in their hands. Miniatures of

But the very biggest wins he achieved came away from

my former racing car, caps, T-shirts from my time. I signed

the world’s racetracks. With a vehicle he would have

about one thousand autographs. I was completely taken

never gotten to know if it hadn’t been for that fateful 15th

aback by this enthusiasm and will always keep these days

September. It was a handcycle. A tricycle powered by the

in my heart. It was an unbelievably emotional weekend

arms via a hand crank. Good reaction times, coordination

for me, crowned by my BMW teammates’ triumph. That it

and concentration matter less than in a racing car in order

didn’t work out for me exactly the way I wanted, that was

to win on one of those. What it takes is almost the exact

something I could get over.”

opposite – power, stamina and patience. What Alex Zanardi achieved with this piece of sports equipment made him a little bit superhuman. Up against the rest of the (young)

Fantastic boost for his ego and self-confidence

world, he won two golds at the 2012 Paralympics in London.

Approaching the finish was a triumph of willpower. An

Alex Zanardi felt vindicated. It was his own choice. “BMW-

unbelievable demonstration of strength and steeliness. A

Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt made me an offer. Either

short man without legs with biceps like a boxing champ

Le Mans or Daytona. Although I’m European, my best time

cranking through the city of London and casting a spell

as a racing driver was spent in the USA. I chose Daytona

over the world with his story. Or rather, another chapter in

without hesitation. And it was the right choice.”

his story. It continued. He won gold in the individual time trial and gold in mixed team relay four years later in Rio.

He was recently given an opportunity by BMW to race at the DTM weekend in Misano. For a leg amputee of almost 52 years the grapes need not be so sweet anymore. One sets realistic goals. Not to be the last to cross the finish line, not to finish behind all the young wild ones, the top drivers in one of the best racing series in the world. To leave at least one of them behind. In the end, he finished fifth in the second race! Alex Zanardi could keep the pace indeed.

“When Jens (Marquardt) told me that I should do DTM races in Misano, I called him mad. But he said, come on, let’s do some testing. You’re gonna make it. To be completely honest, he had much more faith in me than I had. But it was an unbelievable weekend. In free practice, when everyone simulated the qualifying, I did the fifth fastest time. A great experience. And a great confirmation that I was still on pace. Unbelievable. And fantastic boost for my ego and my self-confidence.”

Only one thought: Back to the track Such adventures at a very high level of motorsport have become a little rare for Alex Zanardi. He knows that he’s still able, but he doesn’t need to prove anything to anyone. And since his catastrophic accident in 2001, he has won races indeed. Having just learned to walk with a prosthesis he got back in a race car. He immediately knew that he would go racing again. He woke up, looked down, didn’t have legs anymore, but nevertheless had only one thought: Back to the track. “That was my first thought. And I knew I could manage. But first I had to regain my self-reliance. I couldn’t even go to the C.R. on my own first. I was in need of help for every minor thing. Should I be able to overcome this and if it could be made possible technically to sit behind the steering wheel of a car despite my handicap, then I knew I could be as fast as before. And I would win races again. No doubt about it ever.”

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Americans have a special place in their hearts for people who beat the odds; who don’t surrender; who get back up although it seems impossible.

“The welcome by the fans was overwhelming,” Zanardi still enthuses today.

Up against the rest of the (young) world, he won two golds at the 2012 Paralympics in London. He won gold in the individual time trial and gold in mixed team relay four years later in Rio.

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Aged almost 50! Now at last he is a legend. A reminder for laggards who rail against their fate after far lesser misfortunes. “Giving up” doesn’t exist in his vocabulary.

Bimbingamba Alex Zanardi always accepted his fate and feels extremely privileged to have had the life he has had after that massive blow.

He knows that not everyone is as lucky. He founded Bimbingamba, an organization to help mainly young people with amputations or deformities find a way into a better life. To explain the importance of this charity, Zanardi tells a story. “I met Anna Maria. A girl born with one arm only. Aged 14, she felt that she was not looked at because of her beautiful blue eyes, but because of her deformity. She always tried to avoid these looks, always looked down and never into other people’s eyes.

We made a prosthesis for her. And she wanted to meet me – on the day she received her new arm. It was a big detour for me, but I still made the extra 100 km to get to Bologna. It was worth every metre! I found Anna Maria so happy, she beamed at everybody, didn’t look down anymore. She cried, I cried, it was an unbelievable moment. Moments which make it worth to support this organization.”

A few more aces in the hole Alex Zanardi’s wondrous road has not run its course yet.

He is still overflowing with vitality, has more goals. Tokyo?

The 2020 Paralympics? Hang on, you’ll be almost 54 then!

“Maybe I’m not the athlete I was in London eight years ago.

But believe me, I still have a few more aces in the hole. I’ll make the start in best shape. And right after Tokyo, I’ll call BMW. They should give me another chance in Daytona. I still have a score to settle there.”

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In the World Touring Car Championship he won four times with BMW between 2005 and 2009, and his latest victory to date was in the M6 GT3 at the season final of the Italian GT 2016 in Mugello.

// Si Račun z Daytono ostaja neporavnan Alex Zanardi je 15. septembra 2001 doživel katastrofo na dirkališču Lausitzring. Nekdanji dirkač Formule 1 je bil dvakrat prvak v ameriški seriji CART, ki je gostovala v Evropi. Tistega usodnega dne je pri izvozu iz boksov dodal za malenkost preveč plina, na razliti tekočini ga je zaneslo in ga je zasukal počez po vozišču. Tekmec Alex Tagliani se je z vso silo zaletel v njegov dirkalnik in Zanardi je ostal brez obeh nog. Čudežno je preživel; od takrat pogumno in uspešno krmari svoje življenje. Januarja letos je z dirkalnikom BMW M8 GTE prvič nastopil na dirki 24 ur Daytone in zasedel deveto mesto. Daytona je bila zanj veliko doživetje in znova bi rad tekmoval tam, kajti njegov račun z Daytono ostaja neporavnan.

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The Coldest Ride

YOU CONTROL YOUR BODY. NOT MIND. The engines are always on. Literally, they are never switched off while the cars stay outside during the winter. Otherwise it would be impossible to start them again. Every car has engine insulation covers and double windows. No diesel, petrol only. Soft rubber tires. Antifreeze liquid for temperatures down to -65 °C. All houses are built on stilts. No drainage system. No wells. Beneath your shoes lie 1.8 meters of soil and 1.5 km of pure ice. Permafrost. In January and February -60 °C is quite common and the lowest temperature ever recorded is -71.2 °C. Yes, it can get that cold in a village called Oymyakon – the coldest inhabited place on earth in the far northeast of Siberia, Russia.

I reached Oymyakon this February on a motorcycle.

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by Karolis Mieliauskas photography Egidijus Babelis

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People like to call me an explorer. I believe the horizons of consciousness are so wide that constant cognition is one of the most important things in life. While riding a motorcycle I trust myself. This way I remain relaxed and can keep alert for many hours by seeing what’s happening around me at all times. I don’t belong to any club. My motorcycle is a perfect tool for my exploration or, the way I see it, active meditation. My bike is a single cylinder Yamaha XT660Z Ténéré, produced in 2008. I have had it for the last four years. It’s reliable and offers a comfy sitting position with a very straight back, which is important for long rides. Life energy flows up.

Enduro is always a good choice as I am not limited to ride on asphalt only.

The Ténéré has another plus; it’s relatively light.

/// 1000 km a day In the past I liked to cover 1000 km a day. Such a distance makes a day very long and quite uncomfortable. Your mind starts giving you signals to stop and it becomes very interesting to observe its internal processes. A few times I did 2000 km in two days. A few years ago I rode from Vilnius in Lithuania to Vladivostok, the Russian town on the coast of the Sea of Japan. The 11,000 km of internal and external exploration took me 12 days plus couple days of rest. I did it alone.

“My bike is a single cylinder Yamaha XT660Z Ténéré, produced in 2008. I have had it for the last four years.” /// Travel on Lake Baikal Generally I find travelling in winter nice, though not on icy roads full of traffic. Frozen lakes are an option. But is there a lake big enough to allow for some serious travelling? There is and I decided to travel on its icy surface – Lake Baikal, the world’s deepest lake. The journey lasted a week and I covered 800 km on ice and snow. There were huge water holes and temperatures hit -30 °C. It was a very good practice for exploring the roots of fear and to see where my mind was ready to grow.

/// From Yakutsk to Oymyakon The next step was the coldest spot on earth. On a motorbike, of course. I started in Yakutsk and rode 1000 km to Oymyakon. I chose winter and my trusty Yamaha XT660Z Ténéré. There is not much information about riding at -50 °C. While preparing the bike we realised that some metals will crack and break in such extremes. In the end, around 40 modifications were required. The more important ones for the bike and some for me as well,

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for example: insulated engine fairing/covers to keep engine temperature as normal as possible; wheel bearings from the aviation sector; studded Mitas tires for stability on ice; more liquid oils everywhere; heated grips for my comfort; and, of course, an Akrapovič exhaust system. Nobody knew what we might have missed while preparing the bike, but as it turns out, we missed nothing. The bike was sent to Siberia and we followed suit.

/// First across the frozen Lena River We landed in Yakutsk a couple of days before the planned start for testing.

The bike received another centimetre of insulation and -65 °C antifreeze.

I put on all seven layers of Rukka Motorsport clothing and did some 50 test kilometres around the city, but we still didn’t know exactly what to expect when we pushed off on February 4th on the Kolyma Highway, also known as the Road of Bones. First across the frozen Lena River and short shoddy asphalt sections. I completed 100 km before the first stop for a general check-up. I opened my helmet and my balaclava turned to ice in 20 seconds. I had to change it – an extremely cold procedure – but I had no choice. The next morning the engine failed some 40 km after the start. The mechanic duly rolled up his sleeves and found the culprit – broken wires.

Nothing too serious, but it took almost two hours to fix what would normally have taken 15 minutes.

“People like to call me an explorer. I believe the horizons of consciousness are so wide that constant cognition is one of the most important things in life. While riding a motorcycle I trust myself. This way I remain relaxed and can keep alert for many hours by seeing what’s happening around me at all times.” /// In the mountains On the third morning the thermometer dropped to -46 °C and we reached mountains with their treacherous icy turns. Cars, crashed and fallen of the cliffs, were an intense sight. Most of the day I was far away from the team as I like to travel alone. Deep into the taiga I reached our place for night. The locals built us a tent and when my team arrived, the temperature outside was -48 °C with a comparatively balmy -13 °C inside. I was very excited about the next day – mountains, frozen trees, a vast nature and millions of stars were such a delight. The next morning another surprise – a puncture during the first 10 km. Actually the tube cracked due to some condensation inside. Fixing that, I turned off the Road of Bones, taking the Old Summer Road towards Oymyakon.

/// Maximum speed 130 km/h While riding at 100 km/h it was snowing inside my helmet. Literally. The moisture from my breath rose to the height of my forehead and then converted into the falling flakes. The temperature outside? Around -50 °C. We planned our last stop some 150 km before Oymyakon. The final day started with sun and -48 °C. I felt excited to continue researching the question of how the mind reacts to the cold and what signals it gives to the body. Could heat distribution inside the body be controlled? In one of the valleys I opened the throttle to the max and reached 130 km/h. The windchill pushed the temperature to -75 °C. The engine temperature indicator stopped moving, the handlebar became too stiff to turn and my mechanic was ready to kill me. I meanwhile explored the stiffness which tried to penetrate my body. It didn’t succeed. My internal temperature of 36.6 °C never dropped and I reached the finish line healthy and with zero frostbite.

As a cherry on top I went for a swim in the town’s partly frozen Indigirka River. The temperature outside was -52 °C on that sunny morning. Was it really cold? The only way to know it is to feel it for yourself. Oh, and what did I listen to during all those lonely days on the ice? The best music, coming from the Akrapovič exhaust.

by Alenka Birk photography Aleš Bravničar, Billy Bolton, PR

SLEEP AND EAT WITH FISH There is a place in the Maldives which provides an extraordinary playground for those who would like to explore the underwater world in luxury. Conrad Maldives Resort on Rangali island is filled with unique amenities that range from an over-sea spa, under-sea restaurant, and suites that are built like reverse aquariums. You’ll be impressed while dining in the world’s first underwater restaurant. www.conradmaldives.com

FAIRY TALE Are you a real nature lover? You will find a reminder of the majesty of Mother Nature in The Montana Magica Lodge, where you can experience being part of a real life fairy tale in a charming location buried in the middle of the native forest. Nestled in the Andes, this hotel is built right into a volcano in the Huilo Huilo reserve, which covers 60,000 hectares of Valdivian forest, and has natural hot springs, unexplored lakes and direct access to the MochoChoshuenco volcano. Accommodation ranges from rooms in the main lodge, which has a waterfall cascading from the pinnacle of the roof, to secluded forest lodges. Pure magic. www.huilohuilo.com

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Crazy Stuff

SUNRISE FROM A BALLOON Get a bird’s-eye view of the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia on a 70-minute hot air balloon flight from Göreme. Watch the sunrise over this unique land in the middle of Turkey. It’s definitely a once in a lifetime experience. Once up in the air the view and the colours are fantastic. You’ll admire the panoramic views of the fairy chimneys, rock formations and valleys as well as spectacular landscape. At six o’clock 100 balloons take off and at half past six another 50. It’s breathtaking and makes getting up at dawn totally worth it. www.butterflyballoons.com

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WOMB ROOM Sleeping problems are a very common phenomenon, especially while travelling. There is a solution in London. Just book the specially designed Womb Room and prepare to sleep like a baby. Located in Shoreditch, the Zed Rooms at the Cuckooz serviced apartments have been nine months in the making, with experts meticulously developing the state-of-the-art boutique apartments using insights rooted in the science of sleep. It is scientifically designed to give you the best night’s sleep possible, which includes a room modelled around the womb. The rooms have dim lighting, peach walls and comfortable mattresses to rest your head on, which, combined, are meant to promote relaxation and REM sleep. It’s not only the bed, the whole apartment is a sleeping sanctuary where you can curl up cocooned and wake up ready to face the day ahead. www.cuckooz.co.uk/thezedrooms

Driv e With Us

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TORO E

Lamborghini Urus in Sassi di Matera As you stop in front of a cave in Matera, you are usually greeted by 5-star luxury.

Ambient lighting, air conditioning, designer furniture, chilled sparkling wine as a welcome drink and, of course, Wi-Fi. A night spent in such a cave will set you back 500, 1000 or more euros. In order to visit the third oldest city in the world after Syria’s Aleppo and West Bank’s Jericho, you need a suitable companion. How about the new Lamborghini Urus, the world’s fastest and most capable SUV? With the additional off-road package and an Akrapovič Racing exhaust. The bull and the stone. Time to see if it works out. * The Bull and the Stone

SASSI

*

by Miran Ališič photography Bor Dobrin

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Let’s begin with the stone. “Sassi” is the name of a rocky ridge and part of Matera, where people used to live in caves until the 1960s. For real, without water, electricity, ventilation, in desperate moisture and cold, and together with domestic animals.

Over 20,000 people maintained the ancient tradition of simple yet hazardous cave existence.

Diseases killed them en masse and the infant mortality rate stood at 40 %. To put an end to this public shame, the Italian government eventually managed to resettle the resisting population to modern residential flats, built above the caves.

The relocation was a shock to many. The caves remained empty and deserted. The plan was to fill them in, but because it wasn’t carried out and because children of the former inhabitants returned to the renovated and modernised subterranean dwellings, Matera received the UNESCO World Heritage status in 1993. The town began to fill up again. Caves became bars, hotels, restaurants, galleries, museums… Matera is this year’s

Urus is in many ways a new

European Capital of Culture. In the middle of March

beginning for Lamborghini. This

it was impossible to find a bed in the hotels, even less so in the caves. So, the stones have truly come back to life. What about the bull?

First came the tractors Lamborghini is a source of national pride in Italy. It is the opposite of Ferrari and Maserati. Ferruccio Lamborghini differed from Enzo Ferrari, so his cars always differed too. As did his tractors. Yes, Lamborghini started out by manufacturing tractors, but in 1963 he founded Automobili Lamborghini and in 1966 he created an icon with the

bull is for those with individuality and a select style.

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But saying “sound” doesn’t even begin to describe it. It is a veritable symphony, courtesy of an Akrapovič Racing exhaust.

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Urus is a new beginning in many ways Its engine is a 4-litre V8 bi-turbo, capable of

Over 150 churches As are the bars in Matera. The town is home to over 150 churches, a living proof of hope in faith and the afterlife that was often sought by

producing 478 kW (650 HP) and 850 Nm of

the inhabitants, but only a few churches are

torque. The eight-speed automatic gearbox

still active today. On the large square of San

is precise and responsive. There is always

Pietro Caveoso in front of its namesake church,

enough power. On any surface. On the road

we run into Carlo Cannone. The 65-year-old

from Sant’Agata Bolognese near Bologna

gentleman sells books about Matera. For the

to Matera, deep in Italy’s south, where we went looking for urban caves and straight country roads, we were introduced to a wealth of driving characteristics in all possible circumstances, be it doing 50 km/h, turning on the slippery stones of Matera’s narrow

past 15 years he’s been involved in tourism, the town’s largest industry by far. “Only the famous come now. We’ve hosted all Italian politicians, actors, performers. Well, it’s all the same category,” he laughs after explaining that he came to Matera as a child with his parents.

They never lived in the caves. They settled in

Lamborghini Miura. After this legendary model

streets, or tearing down a deserted country

the new town above them. But he remembers

from the time when the inhabitants of Matera’s

road in Basilicata’s backwaters. It is also well

those who lived underground. “It stank to high

caves were being relocated, Lamborghini, now

suited to motorways. Especially the German

heavens, I distinctly remember that. What

owned by Audi, yet again built a very special

ones. It does 0 to 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds

you’re seeing today is something completely

vehicle which has already found its place in the

and the speedometer reaches 200 after a

different, of course.” He pointed out two sides

motoring present and is all but guaranteed one

paltry 12.8 seconds. Its shape also stands

in the future as well. Lamborghini Urus looks

out. Individual, but not obtrusive. Futuristic, yet

dynamic, possesses excellent longitudinal

unassuming. It reflects its driver’s character and

and lateral acceleration, is tight and precise

is made for special, rare individuals. You won’t

in handling, hugs the surface superbly and,

be embarrassed driving it though, something

after turning on the “Corsa” setting, also has

that cannot be said for all the Lamborghinis from

the sound… But saying “sound” doesn’t even

the past. Urus is in many ways a new beginning

begin to describe it. It is a veritable symphony,

for Lamborghini. This bull is for those with

and observes what they have become with

courtesy of an Akrapovič Racing exhaust.

individuality and a select style.

both excitement and scepticism.

of mass tourism. “I sell books about Matera, but not many people buy them. They take a photo, visit the bathroom and then leave. They don’t even stop for a coffee.” Cannone is also selling photographs of the former life in the Sassi. “Nobody buys those either. They take a peek and move on,” says the fellow, who’s been living for 50 years beside Matera’s caves

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Matera is this year’s European Capital of Culture. In the middle of March it was impossible to find a bed in the hotels, much less in the caves. So, the stones have truly come back to life.

What about the bull?

Photo: Henri Cartier Bresson/Magnum Photos

Cockpit reminiscent of a plane

handling is boosted by an electromechanical

at 40 km/h. All this is comfortably done by

active stabilizer with adjustable pneumatic

using the “Strada” mode and utilising different

Urus is a very special car on the inside as

suspension and rear-wheel steering, all

suspension, steering and chassis settings

well. Its cockpit looks like it came from an

controlled by an excellent electronic system.

in the “Ego” mode. Sporting pleasures are

airplane, the levers on the central console

Driving 220 km/h through a long turn feels like

meanwhile provided by the “Sport” and

were inspired by the world of aeronautics. The

going in a straight line. No need to adjust the

“Corsa” modes. These two allow the Urus to

gauges are a screen, obviously, three screens

steering. What about hard acceleration in a

drop the suspension and free all the music of

to be exact. They can change colour while

turn from 80 to 250 km/h? Easily manageable

the Akrapovič, allowing it to sing and bang.

providing info on everything that one needs

by lightly holding the wheel with one hand.

We recommend it to be used in open spaces,

to know about the ride, the car’s condition,

When it comes to braking, the bull is invincible.

during rapid acceleration and hard braking.

navigation and entertainment for all four seats.

22’’ rims, Pirelli P Zero tyres and enormous

The world’s fastest and in all ways superlative

Our Urus comes equipped for four people and

ceramic brake disks work together to bring the

SUV should not be bought without this

with two attractive screens attached to the

Urus from 190 km/h to a halt where most of

aesthetic and musical add-on.

back of the front seats. Back to driving. The

its competition would still be moving forward

Christ Stopped at Eboli The world came to know about Matera at the end of WWII – nobody had cared about the abject poverty of the cave dwellers before.

Italian physician, artist and writer Carlo Levi, who lived in exile in Matera, was horrified by the conditions, which he described in his 1945 biography Christ Stopped at Eboli. The novel and the film awakened and shocked Italy. The town, where time stood still for about 9,000 years, was earmarked for destruction, its inhabitants for resettlement. There was neither money nor will to do anything else. Sassi was an Italian disgrace and had to be forgotten as quickly as possible. People who lived there preferred to say that they weren’t born in the area, that they had just moved into the caves.

Of those original cave dwellers, fewer and fewer remain each year. But their offspring still

“Sassi” is the name of a rocky ridge and part of Matera where

remain, especially the children of the relocated

people used to live in caves until the 1960s. For real. Without

in politics, economy and art, felt a need to

cave dwellers who, after making their mark

water, electricity, ventilation, in desperate moisture and cold,

resurrect the caves and did not at all see them

and together with domestic animals.

hotel on the outskirts of the modern Matera, the

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as shameful. As I was leaving a cosy modern

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owner said instead of a goodbye: “They were poor and forgotten, but they were still happy.”

// Si Lamborghini Urus in Sassi di Matera Ko se danes ustavite pred jamo v Materi, vas običajno pričaka udobje petih zvezdic. Ambientalna osvetlitev, klimatsko prezračevanje, dizajnersko pohištvo, ohlajena penina za dobrodošlico in seveda wifi. Za obisk tretjega najstarejšega mesta na svetu za Aleppom v Siriji in Jerichom na Zahodnem Bregu potrebujete primernega spremljevalca, kot je novi Lamborghini Urus, najhitrejši in najbolj zmogljiv SUV s terenskim paketom in Akrapovičevim izpuhom. Štirilitski motor V8 bi-turbo ima 478 kW (650 KM) in razvije 850 Nm navora. Osemstopenjska avtomatika ne zamuja. Moči je vedno dovolj. Na poti iz Sant’Agate pri Bologni v Matero na jugu Italije, kjer smo iskali mestne jame in proste ravnine podeželskih cest, smo spoznali najrazličnejše vozne lastnosti v vseh mogočih okoliščinah. Naj gre za vožnjo pri 50 km na uro, mestno obračanje na spolzkem kamnu ozkih uličic Matere ali ob drvenju po zapuščeni vaški cesti nekje v zakotju Basilicate. Tudi oblika novega Urusa izstopa; je posebna, a ne moteča.

Futuristična, a vendarle vsakdanja. Izraža posameznikov značaj in je narejena za posebne, redke ljudi.

Ride With Us

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Extraordinary endurance racing in Serbia

IT’S LIKE ALL RACING – ONLY WINNING COUNTS

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by Matevž Hribar

photography Live Production, Matevž Hribar

Once upon time, there existed a country called Yugoslavia. At the far west of this country, in the now Slovenian town of Koper, there was a moped factory named Tomos. Throughout Yugoslavia there was nary a household without at least one Tomos and all of the country‘s inhabitants learnt how to ride them. Nearly 30 years after the breakup of Yugoslavia, in early 2019, Tomos itself had to close its doors. But its legacy in the form of bikes still persists in many garages. They can even be made into racing motorbikes. In Serbia, also a former part of Yugoslavia, enthusiasts went a step further – they not only stage races but have created an entire championship revolving around these omnipresent machines. We drove to its capital, Belgrade, to learn some interesting bits about this unusual competition. And we ended up mainly having fun.

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own sandwich in a bag – four hours is quite a long time after all – start waving their flags after a stray dog somehow makes it on to the fenced circuit. Later, following a fall and the appearance of the safety car, a rider supported by the doctor and a friend limps towards the pits accompanied by loud cheers from the stands. Another rider, wearing black textile motorbike gear despite the August sun, keeps angrily but unsuccessfully kicking the starter besides the track, then pushes the bike half a lap to the pits, where the mechanic miraculously brings it back to life in his second attempt. “Go to hell, goddammit!” can be heard from under the helmet, “Where’s the goddamn hammer?

Hit the axle, hit it hard, again, curse you!”

Tobacco smoke meanwhile not only billows from the stands, but also hazes up the service zone, with one of the sources a cigarette in the mouth of the very mechanic refuelling the bike.

Does this remind you of another (racing) era?

I was told another funny story from a past race after jokingly asking Bubble Free Racing Team’s Nemanja Milošević about doping.

“There is no doping. No drugs, no alcohol! I’ll have a Red Bull. After the race, I prefer water.

But it happened once that I was parched after riding non-stop for an hour. I get to the pits for the switch, take off my helmet, grab the

Technical rules, Balkan style “Press centre? What press centre? Come to the bar in about 10 minutes and I’ll introduce you to some riders,” chief organiser Igor Gašparević’s laughter comes through the earpiece. The pits contain rows of Tomos Automatic, a 50cc model with a two speed automatic transmission, each more unusually modified that the other.

The competition’s racing rules allow a lot of creativity: the pre-race check-up includes both drum brakes (the use of disc brakes is prohibited), checks of the rounded edges of the handlebar levers, the switch that turns off the engine, lights (some races take place at night) and the provenance of the frame and of the fuel tank – both must be original parts and, in the case of the automatic, are joined together.

When the team finishes in the top five, the diameter of the carburettor (17 mm max) and the cylinder (39 mm max) are also checked after the race. The tyres, front and rear forks, suspension, exhaust and numerous other components are left to the ingenuity and (financial) ability of the team. Even tyre warmers (amazing, right?) are allowed.

Bikes with a dizzying value of 3000 euros

skier and snowboarder. A consummate athlete, Djordje says he could manage the 4-hour race by himself, but that the charm lies in allowing the entire team to take part. “The moped belongs to all because all have contributed to it.” So, how much is it worth? “It cost us at least 2000 euros, but some are worth 3000 or more.” In the past,

plastic water bottle and tip it hard. It contained gasoline. I swallowed four times before realising it. I was burping petrol for a whole day afterwards!”

The principle is the same – racing is racing!

second-hand Tomos mopeds sold for about a hundred euros a piece, but the prices are rising,

Mopeds are raced on by the old and the young,

also because of racing. Djordje believes that

total amateurs and local professionals. Vukašin

the enjoyment he feels is comparable to that of

Bajić won a few national champion titles in

world championship riders. “Both (for) us and

karting, Supermoto, motocross and road racing,

the spectators. First, it’s cheaper. Second, there

but now he’s chasing glory on a moped. “For

are no major injuries. The sensations are superb,

starters, the budget is a lot lower. About 50

there’s a lot of knee dragging and tight duels

euro per member, and there are three of us

with plenty of contact, at least 30 times per race

in the team, pays for the weekend. Pays for

if not more.”

everything, actually: tyres, fuel, travel costs,

Swearing and tobacco He is not lying. As soon as the starter waves the flag, the joking is over. The riders run across the track in Le Mans style, lock the right wrist into the extreme down position and, at the beginning, even use their legs in jockeying for places.

When exiting tight turns, which really showcase the lack of power of the 50cc machines, they rhythmically rock the back suspension while remaining tucked in a low aerodynamic position – it apparently aids acceleration. Most put their knees down in turns, though some swear by the

“We prepare the bike throughout the winter,

supermoto leg out.

but there’s still a sense of dread prior to every

Unusual events abound on the track, in the

race. Today during the practice session, for

service zone and the pits, where the smell

example, the clutch basket broke,” explained

of čevapčiči wafts from the portable grills.

Djordje Krsmanović, racing rider, diver, cyclist,

The first occurs when officials, each with his

food.” I get that, but how does one make the switch from a 1000cc Superstock racing bike to a modified postie bike? “Racing is racing, you see. You always fight to win. The adrenaline, the focus, they don’t change. But here I feel as if I’m on holiday. Instead of hiking in the mountains, I enjoy weekend racing with my friends.”

Nemanja, he of petrol-drinking fame, agrees: “This is MotoGP for the poor, isn’t it? Their bike costs two, three million euros, ours a thousand times less. But the feeling is the same. We race, and that’s it.”

Rumours are afoot that an international championship could link the countries of former Yugoslavia, where Tomos mopeds are still gathering dust in many garages. However, teams from abroad would be welcome too.

Any takers?

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Chocolatier Casa Nobile

by Michael Baumann photography Ivana Krešić

Artisti del cioccolato The rural village of Batterkinden in the canton of Bern is not really the place where one would expect to run into one of the hottest manufacturers of high-quality Swiss bonbons. Far away from the world-renowned chocolate shops of Zurich or Lucerne, here is the home of upscale Casa Nobile, which is currently showered with international honours. Chocolate artists Willi Schmutz and Martin Schwarz, with their team of eleven, process 16 tons of chocolate a year here, mainly creating bonbons that are unrivalled even in Switzerland. This puts the small-scale Casa Nobile, established by the pair in 2003 in Batterkinden, located between Bern and Solothurn, amongst the smaller manufacturers in terms of quantity. But concerning the quality and the awards it has received, the company has reached the top of the world. It is not for nothing that its name carries the addition “artisti del cioccolato”.

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Passion as recipe When Willi Schmutz (59) and Martin Schwarz (57) founded Casa Nobile, the chocolate giant Switzerland couldn’t fully keep pace with foreign competitors anymore. That’s why the duo, each coming from running a successful café, opted for a very grand vision indeed – to produce the best bonbons not only in Switzerland, but worldwide. They started their project with a lot of passion and a wealth of ideas. Willi Schmutz

stuff during his holidays in Italy, where he likes

rather does the refining and the fine-tuning. For

to allow himself to be influenced by regional and

Willi Schmutz the secret to a good bonbon lies

seasonal trends. When a new creation is ready

in the ratio of fat, sugar, cocoa and the special

for the market in terms of taste – Willi Schmutz

ingredients like fruits or spices, so that every

keeps refining the recipe until that is achieved – Martin Schwarz takes over the technical part and production can start. The whole team is meanwhile responsible for the all-important visual appearance of a bonbon. The eye is doing the tasting here as well.

Casa Nobile buys the chocolate, the basic

single nuance is detectable. Their several lines include Swiss Moments, Oriental Moments, Tuscan Moments, Cocktail Bonbons and Vegan Bonbons, available in boxes of 12, 20 and 32 pieces.

is the one responsible for product development.

ingredient for its bonbon creations, at Felchlin,

Miniature masterpieces

Until a new creation is ready, he invests a lot

a well known chocolate producer. “We are too

Casa Nobile uses only fine cocoa for its

of time in research, browsing both books and

small to produce the chocolate ourselves, it

chocolate and it is worth noting that the share

the internet. He also comes across interesting

won’t pay,” Willi Schmutz says. Casa Nobile

of fine “cacao” in the annual global chocolate

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market is just 6 %. For Willi Schmutz a bonbon is well made when it creates an explosion, a fireworks of taste in one’s mouth. But a bonbon’s taste also has to develop during the eating, from the moment when it is put into the mouth until it is swallowed. “During this process the consumer should notice very different flavours, but the cocoa must not be overpowered by other ingredients,” Willi Schmutz outlines the challenges of his work.

A single special taste, for example, should only be subtly noticed in the throat. So he combines component after component until a harmonious whole within a miniature masterpiece is created.

Casa Nobile only uses local ingredients for its “Schweizer Momente”, consisting of eight different square bonbons: fine brandy from wild cherries, alpine herbs, absinthe, pink melissa flowers, mountain honey, saffron, nuts, grappa and chestnut marzipan. Moreover, every bonbon is elaborately handmade. Every single piece is unique and, with up to four people involved in every single production step, not two of them look exactly the same. “It takes three to four days until a bonbon is finished,” Martin Schwarz explains, as it also has to rest for a while between the stages of its creation.

At the top Casa Nobile uses two machines to cover the bonbons with chocolate – one for dark and one for milk chocolate. Martin Schwarz carefully sprinkles chocolate powder onto one edge of a bonbon with a spoon while one assistant applies gold melissa as decoration and another engraves the word “nobile” with a small stamp.

Just one piece per line is stamped and marked like that. Depending on the season and the production process, between 3500 and 15,000 bonbons are created each day and sold in both the company’s shop in Bätterkinden as well as in Bern and online, with even more shops being planned, also abroad.

But even the best bonbons do not sell automatically. They require effort and pains and both have paid off handsomely for Willi Schmutz and Martin Schwarz. They have reached the very top with their small yet exquisite chocolate business and Casa Nobile was named best Swiss chocolatier in the 2018 Choco Guide.

At the International Chocolate Awards the company was almost overwhelmed with medals and awards during the last couple of years. “The awards definitively helped a lot,” Willi Schmutz says. Several five-star hotels in Switzerland have taken notice and are now among Casa Nobile’s customers. High quality Swiss chocolate is not only state-of-the-art again, it is also very trendy.

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Original

Atelier des Lumières

by Tina Torelli

photography Culturespaces/E. Spiller

DIGITAL THREESOME A LA PARISIENE I am queuing to enter the Atelier des Lumières at 38 Rue Saint Maur in the eleventh arrondissement of Paris in the company of a crew of millennials, motley in more ways than one. Creatively dressed, done up and with combed hair, these dreamers give the impression of being accompanied by at least the following: freedom and passion for art.

My mind pipes up with Bernardo Bertolucci‘s The Dreamers.

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As I enter the former foundry a few minutes later and begin dissolving in

that evokes the discos of the ‘80s it seems as if paintings from numerous

art, I realise that the thought that had appeared in my brain was more a

museums have come to life, spilled over into space and gotten wedded

movie or déjà vu than an associative flash. It was not an image, it was a

to music. The fine arts fuse with the industrial character of the former

feeling. Three young people, hungry for life and art in the midst of student

foundry, established by the Plichon family in 1835, and with the eclectic

protests in 1968 Paris, saw movies from the front rows in cinemas so that

compilation of musical hits, ranging from baroque to the future, featuring

the images from the screen would reach them sooner. The millennials

Antonio Vivaldi and Luca Longobardi, with Edvard Grieg, Miles Davis,

visiting the “Studio of Lights” in the still restless Paris of 2019 meanwhile expose their senses to the fusion of light, colours and sounds of the socalled immersive interactive art.

Janis Joplin and Nina Simone in between. The old foundry offers a frame to the paintings in the shape of industrial chimneys, drying towers, water tanks and even the surface of a pool. The discovering of artistic depths started in the Atelier a year ago with an exhibition focusing on Klimt and a

Being in the art

century of Vienna art. From the 22nd of February the venue is showcasing “Van Gogh, Starry Night”, which will be displayed until the year’s end

Behind the doors of La Halle, the central space of the Atelier, a world

alongside a shorter programme in La Halle entitled “Dreamed Japan –

of different dimensions opens. The omnipresent speakers flood the

Images of the Floating World” and Thomas Vanz’s “Verse”, on view in Le

room with the voice of Janis Joplin while the visitors’ eyes are treated to

Studio. The magic is on sale for 14.50 €, but is worth much more as a

blossoming sunflowers and lilies swaying in the wind. In the semidarkness

generator of ideas and well-being.

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All shades of Van Gogh The Atelier’s centrepiece “Van Gogh, Starry Night” peels off all the veils of creation of the painter who really did lose his ear in a quarrel

thematic itinerary follows the different stages of the artist’s life: Nuenen, Paris, Arles, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Auvers-sur-Oise.

All the secrets of Japan

with Gauguin but also left over 2000 works of art to the world. The disproportional and poetic exhibition, authored by Gianfranco Iannuzzi,

Between the first and second projection of Van Gogh’s masterpieces,

Renato Gatto and Massimiliano Siccardi, is fair; it portrays the magnitude

the Atelier teleports to the land of the rising sun, courtesy of a shorter

of the artist’s internal world with a new language and generous strokes.

programme by Danny Rose studio. Once there, La Halle produces a hypnotic

The visual and aural journey through the immense wealth of colours

spillover of the images of the floating world, known in Japan as Ukiyo-e. This

provides a new and brighter perspective on the opus of an unusual man.

style of Japanese prints and paintings from the Edo period was widely used

The palette first mixes Van Gogh’s thick colours before the penetrating

by artists to depict samurai, spirits, city life, courtesans and erotic scenes.

gaze of the artist himself focuses on the viewer. It tempts and beckons

As the space is swamped by Hokusai’s iconic Great Wave, the flooded La

you to enter his world and you are more than happy to do so. The

Halle becomes populated by fish, accompanied by Debussy. The Ukiyo-e

artist has never been so close to you and his art has never seemed as

exerted a significant influence over European artists during the 19th century –

convincing, as alive and as modern. Behind the black soundproof doors of

its flattened perspective and innovative composition inspired such greats as

the Atelier you witness the dialogue between light and shadows, while the

Mary Cassatt, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and Vincent Van Gogh.

Some secrets will remain secrets The creation called “Verse”, produced exclusively for the Atelier des Lumières, then takes us to the very heart of the Universe. Weighing less than a feather, we are sucked in by black holes, hit by comets, illuminated by the stars. A smaller section of the Atelier, Le Studio, makes gravity disappear and magic appear. The projection of a young French director Thomas Vanz, already a recipient of several prizes, deals with the topic that has and still continues to excite the human mind: “Who are we, where did we come from and where are we going?” These are the questions to which we will likely never find answers, but the fascinating projection in Le Studio conjures up an illusion that we have entered the secret itself, for a few minutes at least. In the area which also hosts a futuristic bar, the feeling that we are all one becomes as clear as Van Gogh’s sky.

From the 22 nd of February the venue is showcasing “Van Gogh, Starry Night”, which will be displayed until the year’s end alongside a shorter programme in La Halle entitled “Dreamed Japan – Images of the Floating World” and Thomas Vanz’s “Verse”, on view in Le Studio.

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Emotional impasto Rue Saint Maur 38 hosts the only Parisian museum of fine arts where a geisha will wink at you, water will reflect in gold and grass will sway in the wind. Behind the doors of the Atelier you are born, you die and are reborn.

The former foundry in the eleventh arrondissement allows you to walk across a sunflower field, enter Van Gogh’s room and meet all his friends.

The layers of paint, like a new piece of software, daringly load into the visitors’ souls and colour their world.

Van Gogh’s sunflowers are the world’s most expensive bouquet, but the status of being an influencer and the heart of the millennials are reached by a new path. In order to survive, art had to marry digital technology.

While this is not the first marriage of convenience in art’s history, it most certainly holds the record for the number of likes on Instagram as it is unbearably, unrelentingly Insta-friendly.

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Behind the doors of La Halle, the central space in the Atelier, a world of different dimensions opens. The omnipresent speakers flood the room with the voice of Janis Joplin while the visitors’ eyes are treated to the blossoming sunflowers and lilies swaying in the wind.

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// Si Atelier des Lumières – digitalni muzej lepih umetnosti V nekdanji pariški livarni domuje prvi digitalni muzej lepih umetnosti – Atelier des Lumières, ki vas popelje v nove dimenzije umetnosti. Barvita dela likovnih mojstrov si lahko ogledate kot velikanske projekcije na stene in tla muzeja, izkušnjo pa dodatno popestri še izbrana glasba. Od 22. februarja dalje je v teku projekt “Van Gogh: Zvezdnata noč”, ki bo skupaj s krajšim programom v La Halle z naslovom “Dreamed Japan – Images of the Floating World” ter z delom Thomasa Vanza “Verse” v Studiu na ogled do konca leta.

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H ig h G e ar

High Gear

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The Future of Racing

To E or not to E Small 1.6 litre turbo engines in Formula 1, Hypercars at Le Mans, an all-electric racing series with Formula E and MotoE put us in a position of seeing into one part of the future of motorsport. No one knows 100 % what the weather is going to do next week, so where motorsport will be in ten years time is anyone’s guess. Smaller turbo charged engines, hybrid or electric are certainly a way forward for many championships but whether people like it or not, the small capacity engines can produce huge horsepower.

Should it all be electric though? Well, some manufacturers are forging ahead into the great unknown, with several even going as far as promising to make much of their range electric.

However, it’s a fine line to keep the fans happy.

Some don’t get electric powered cars and the whiny noise they make, something that one can’t argue with as at times they can sound like a dentist’s drill or fingernails down a blackboard, but when the rules of a game are set to ‘be the fastest’ then there’s no discussion with the Volkswagen I.D. R Pikes Peak that smashed the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb record last year. That car went on to win at the Goodwood hill climb too.

But engines will never go away. Surely there just isn’t enough electricity to go around or enough materials to make the batteries and that’s what keeps many motorsport fans looking forward to the future as maybe this electric thing is all just a fad, a trend and a fashion until the next powertrain arrives. Remember that diesel arrived with a –

by Toby Moody illustration Natan Esku

literal – bang at Le Mans in 2006, winning on its debut with Audi and then later with Peugeot, but diesel has been and gone in just a decade.

Hybrid technology has taken over and has blown people’s minds with the hybrid Porsche 919 Evo that lapped Spa-Francorchamps faster than a Formula 1 car and then the Nordschleife a minute faster than a Group C 956. Maybe these tribute world tours are what some want to see rather than a procession of cars? Indeed, retro events where people can see the ‘poster’ cars of their youth are the ones many now attend with the likes of Goodwood Festival of Speed and Revival, Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, Schloss Dyck or Leadfoot Festival. You can see it all at many events such as Monza or Silverstone with classic Formula 1 races taking place on the same weekend as the tech to keep the older cars racing more accessible for owners. Tech as a whole is more accessible right down to grass roots motorsports too with carbon fibre, CNC machining, 3D printing and cheaper CFD all available to make fast cars even faster.

Can you actually see MotoGP moving away from their 270 HP engines that take the riders to 340 km/h? No, and neither can I. It’s a drug that the manufacturers and the organisers and the fans all draw off in the sheer thrill of what happens in the race on a Sunday afternoon because it isn’t just about lap times, it’s about the sound, the smell and the passion that is ignited by the engines as they rush down the straight at Mugello, Silverstone, Le Mans or Austin.

Then again, we don’t really know what the weather is going to do next week so why not simply enjoy what’s going on at the moment with manufacturers spending huge money on motorsport! I keep saying that ‘These are the good old days right now’ so enjoy what we have as the ACO talk about Hypercars aiming to lap Le Mans in 3mins 30secs, MotoGP being as exciting as it’s ever been with all three podiums at the season opener at Qatar covered by less than one second and rallying already bringing nail biting finishes in 2019.

We’ve never had so much motorsport at our finger tips. Exciting times.

The article here does not necessarily correspond with the opinions of Akrapovič d.d., the publishers or the editors.

Sure, motorsport will be in the hands of the manufacturers with their programmes and agendas. Arguably, it is they who will determine where motorsport goes in the future as they will build cars and bikes that will always show off the very best in technology that is ‘unobtainable’ to the fans. Cars and bikes will undoubtedly become faster than ever and each team launch or new era will be eagerly anticipated. However, it is the fans who tune into a live stream or an Instagram live story to see what is going on that will shape the next season of racing.

“Where motorsport will be in ten years time is anyone’s guess.”

Toby Moody International motorsport TV broadcaster for both two wheels and four, having commentated on motor sport for 20 years.

Follow @tobymoody / Twitter and Instagram

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GENERAL WARNING Because of the world-wide distribution of Akrapovič d.d. products, neither Akrapovič d.d. nor any of its subsidiaries make any representation that the products comply with the air and/or noise emissions laws, or labeling laws, of any jurisdiction. The purchasers are entirely responsible for informing themselves of the applicable laws where the products are to be used and to comply with those law.

WARNING USA Various U.S. states and the U.S. federal government have individual laws regulating the use of aftermarket exhaust parts and systems, especially as those parts and systems modify, remove, or replace original equipment catalysts. Please consult the appropriate laws in your area before installing any aftermarket part or system on your vehicle to ensure compliance with all applicable laws. Neither Akrapovič d.d. nor any of their subsidiaries or the sellers of the parts or systems make any representation that any of their parts or systems comply with any such laws. WARNING CALIFORNIA California laws prohibit the use of any aftermarket exhaust part or system that modifies, removes or replaces original equipment catalysts unless the California Air Resources Board has issued an Executive Order regarding such part or system or unless the part or system is exempted by being used only on racing vehicles on closed courses. Neither Akrapovič d.d. nor any of their subsidiaries make any representation that any of their parts or systems has received such an Executive Order or that any of their parts or systems conform with the racing vehicles exemption. The purchasers are entirely responsible for informing themselves of applicable California laws and to comply with those laws.

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Malo Hudo 8a, 1295 Ivančna Gorica, Slovenia / www.akrapovic.com GENERAL WARNING Because of the world-wide distribution of Akrapovič d.d. products, neither Akrapovič d.d. nor any of its subsidiaries make any representation that the products comply with the air and/or noise emissions laws, or labeling laws, of any jurisdiction. The purchasers are entirely responsible for informing themselves of the applicable laws where the products are to be used and to comply with those law.

CALIFORNIA WARNING California laws prohibit the use of any aftermarket exhaust part or system that modifies, removes or replaces original equipment catalysts unless the California Air Resources Board has issued an Executive Order regarding such part or system or unless the part or system is exempted by being used only on racing vehicles on closed courses. Neither Akrapovič d.d. nor any of their subsidiaries make any representation that any of their parts or systems has received such an Executive Order or that any of their parts or systems conform with the racing vehicles exemption. The purchasers are entirely responsible for informing themselves of applicable California laws and to comply with those laws.

WARNING USA Various U.S. states and the U.S. federal government have individual laws regulating the use of aftermarket exhaust parts and systems, especially as those parts and systems modify, remove, or replace original equipment catalysts. Please consult the appropriate laws in your area before installing any aftermarket part or system on your vehicle to ensure compliance with all applicable laws. Neither Akrapovič d.d. nor any of their subsidiaries or the sellers of the parts or systems make any representation that any of their parts or systems comply with any such laws.