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JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – Starting in the middle of this season, MotoGP will implement tire pressure regulations. According to some racers, this regulation has the potential to ruin the race.
MotoGP has imposed minimum front and rear tire pressures that riders are not allowed to use below, at least 30 percent in sprint races and 50 percent in main races.
This regulation began to be implemented when the Tire Pressure Management System was implemented. To be precise, at the 2023 British MotoGP at the Silverstone Circuit.
Also read: Just like Martin, Bagnaia was also caught violating tire pressure limits
From the start, the riders were unhappy with the minimum front pressure imposed at 1.88 bar (27.26 psi). That’s because it leaves little margin for tinkering before the front end becomes more difficult to adjust when the pressure is above 2.0 bar (29 psi).
Dock. Gresini Racing Alex Marquez while competing in the 2023 Thailand MotoGP
Riders have repeatedly noted how the pressure builds quickly when following another bike. This condition causes the front tires to lock more. Meanwhile, if the tire pressure is set low, there is a chance of being penalized.
Jorge Martin, who has been warned for breaking tire pressure regulations this year, believes that riders cannot ride at 100 percent because of these regulations.
“It’s a shame we can’t ride at 100 percent because of this regulation,” said Martin, quoted from Motorsport.com, Monday (13/11/2023), after the 2023 Malaysian MotoGP.
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“It’s a shame. I don’t know how to say it, but I think these rules, they need to try to understand from our side and try to make the minimum front tire pressure lower, because in the end we don’t see real racing,” said Martin.
AFP/WILLIAM WEST Pramac Racing racer, Jorge Martin, while leading the 2023 Australian MotoGP race at the Phillip Island Circuit, Saturday 21 October 2023. The 2023 Australian MotoGP race was won by Johann Zarco. (Photo by WILLIAM WEST / AFP)
“We look at technical races, because if my technician gives me the wrong tire pressure, then I can’t push and I can’t show my potential,” he said.
Next year the rules will be even stricter, because those who violate them will be immediately disqualified. According to Martin, this is like destroying the style of racing and Race Direction must do something, because next year will be a major disaster.
Aleix Espargaro has been outspoken about tire regulations. At the 2023 Malaysian MotoGP, he said that he had to be more conservative with tire pressure settings. He was afraid of getting a second penalty. Because, he already received a three second penalty in Thailand.
Dock. Gresini Racing Fabio Di Giannantonio while competing in the 2023 Mandalika MotoGP
“Otherwise I will get a six second penalty and then 12 seconds. I hate this rule, it will ruin this championship,” said Aleix.
Brad Binder believes that these regulations, created for security reasons, are simply not safe. According to him, racers would really appreciate it if Michelin lowered the minimum limit.
“The thing is, for me it’s 10 times less safe when you’re above two bars of pressure. Honestly, the feeling that comes up is that you could hit someone at any time because your front tire is locked, and when you get to the edge of the tire, you can’t turn ,” Binder said.
Dock. @bradbinder Brad Binder while competing in the 2023 Italian MotoGP
“So you see these guys going wide, cutting back and we’re all behind him. I understand that what Michelin is saying is if it’s too low, the tire can come off the rim,” he said.
“But I’ve never seen it, and of course I don’t want to see it. But it’s not just me, I’m sure all the riders would be happy if they lowered it a little,” said Binder.
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