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MotoGP Teams to Revise Start Procedures Following Controversial Incident in Austin
On April 24, MotoGP teams will convene in Jerez to address and update race start procedures in response to the tumultuous events surrounding last month’s Americas Grand Prix.
The chaos began when reigning world champion Marc Marquez made a last-minute dash from the grid to the pits, opting to switch from a ‘wet’ bike to a ‘dry’ machine just moments before the warm-up lap was set to commence. This impulsive move sparked a flurry of activity as other riders followed suit, leading officials to issue a red flag and neutralize the race start.
This decision allowed for a restart, essentially providing a safety net for riders who, like Marquez, had reacted to the rapidly drying track in a risky manner. Under normal circumstances, these riders would have faced severe penalties for their actions, specifically a ride-through penalty for leaving the grid at such a critical time.
In stark contrast, riders Ai Ogura, Enea Bastianini, and Brad Binder, who had taken the proactive step of mounting slick tyres on the grid before the madness ensued, were left without any advantage, as their competitors were permitted to return to their original positions without facing penalties.
Post-race, the atmosphere was charged with criticism and dissatisfaction, particularly as it became clear that both teams and riders were unclear on the complex regulations governing such situations.
Regulatory Changes on the Horizon
MotoGP race director Mike Webb addressed the incident, acknowledging the unprecedented nature of the event and the need for regulatory reviews. “What transpired in Austin was unlike anything we’ve seen before, and it will prompt us to streamline our rules to ensure clarity for all involved,” he stated the week following the Texas race.
Reports from Autosport indicate that discussions around regulatory changes are already in motion. Conversations between teams, the International Road-Race Teams’ Association (IRTA), and Dorna, the MotoGP promoter, occurred during the previous Qatar race weekend to explore various options.
One proposed measure suggests that any rider who leaves the grid within three minutes prior to the warm-up lap would incur a double long lap penalty. However, considering the potential benefits of a timely bike switch, industry insiders question if this punishment would be a sufficient deterrent.
Efforts are underway to implement these changes swiftly, potentially ahead of the upcoming French Grand Prix on May 11. Some stakeholders even advocated for immediate voting on regulatory changes during the Qatar race.
However, a more measured approach is preferred by team representatives, who intend to assess the situation further before reconvening in Jerez, where they hope to finalize a resolution before the Spanish Grand Prix.
Source
www.autosport.com