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Analysis of Jorge Martin’s Crash at Sepang Test
Piero Taramasso, the head of Michelin’s MotoGP division, has attributed Jorge Martin’s crash at the onset of the Sepang test to a significant drop in the internal temperature of the rear tyre, which plummeted by 15 degrees Celsius. This incident occurred on the first day of pre-season testing in Malaysia when Martin, the reigning MotoGP champion, was thrown from his Aprilia bike at Turn 2 while attempting an early flying lap.
The spill resulted in Martin sustaining injuries, including a broken right hand and foot, necessitating a hospital visit. Following the incident, he was airlifted to Barcelona for surgery conducted by Dr. Xavier Mir.
In the wake of Martin’s crash, Aprilia’s initial assessment pointed to the rear tyre’s performance, casting doubts on Michelin’s logistics and tire preparation. Massimo Rivola, CEO of Aprilia Racing, voiced concerns about the condition of the tyre, seeking clarity on its storage history. “Data indicates there was no issue with the bike and that Jorge made no errors. I am curious if the tyre had been stored for 11 months,” he expressed.
On Thursday, Taramasso clarified the tire’s journey, noting that it was manufactured in France in June of the previous year and had been kept in a temperature-controlled environment up until its fitting on Martin’s bike. “The data we have does not suggest any problems with the tyre,” he stated.
Further insights emerged on Friday as Taramasso examined additional sensor data from Martin’s tyre, including a specific sensor that monitors the temperature of the inner layer of the rubber. This information was crucial in understanding the dynamics behind the crash.
“While the outer temperature was adequate, the internal temperature dipped significantly below the typical range of 90 to 100 degrees Celsius,” Taramasso reported. “The readings showed it was roughly 15 degrees below normal compared to Marco Bezzecchi’s tyre.”
This unexpected temperature drop could have originated from several factors: the cooler conditions of the day, the bike returning to the pit after an earlier incident, or potential issues with the tyre blankets used during warm-up. Taramasso emphasized the need for continued investigation to ascertain the precise cause of the tyre’s performance issue.
Ongoing Investigations
The analysis of the situation is crucial not only for the safety of the riders but also for refining the technology and preparations that underpin MotoGP events. The collaboration between teams and suppliers like Michelin is vital for addressing any potential issues that can affect performance during high-stakes tests and races.
As the MotoGP season approaches, understanding the intricacies of equipment performance will be essential. This incident highlights the interconnected nature of racing technology and safety protocols.
Conclusion
The investigation into Jorge Martin’s crash serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in motorsports. As teams prepare for the season ahead, the insights gathered from this incident will be instrumental in ensuring rider safety and optimal performance on the track.
Source
www.motorsport.com