The fiery duel between Marc Marquez and Pedro Acosta during the Sprint Race of the Thai Grand Prix left a lasting impression: a spectacular attack, a spin-out… and a penalty that changed the outcome. And it continues to fuel conversations in MotoGP circles, as evidenced by…
The sanction imposed on Marquez – a position given in the final lap – offered to Acosta his first MotoGP victory. While some fans criticized the decision as too harsh, the former British rider Neil Hodgson On the contrary, he believes that this intervention was necessary.
In the podcast Gas it OutHodgson defended the stewards' decision. According to him, the nine-time world champion came back from too far back in his overtaking attempt on the final corner, forcing Acosta to get off the track.
For Hodgson, the priority is clear: security.
« What the commissioners are trying to achieve – under the impetus of Simon Crafar – These are safer races. We try to avoid reckless attacks.A pilot wants to be protected. That's precisely what Simon does. »
The new FIM race director, Simon Crafar, seems indeed to want to establish a stricter line regarding aggressive maneuvers.
Hodgson acknowledges that for spectators, the situation can be frustrating: fans want a show, sometimes even spectacular interactions.
« If you are completely neutral and sitting at home, it doesn't really interest you. You want to see people get hit. That's what the show is all about. »
Marc Marquez: “ The MotoGP stewards set a limit, and for this first Grand Prix, they lowered it slightly. »
But from the pilots' point of view, the perception is different.
« Finally, We need to think about safetyThat's why Simon Crafar does a fantastic jobHe felt that Marc had crossed the line and therefore took the necessary measures. »
According to Hodgson, the majority of the paddock should therefore welcome this decision.
When questioned a few days later at an Estrella Galicia 0.0 event, Marquez He himself acknowledged that the commissioners had set a new limit.
To explain the situation, he used an unexpected comparison… with football.
« We need to adapt. It's like penalties in footballA hand that wasn't a hand before is now one, or vice versa. »
The pilot Ducati believes that race control has simply lowered the tolerance threshold.
« Each season, the stewards set a limit, and for this first Grand Prix, they lowered it slightly. »
This is a development that all pilots will have to integrate.
« Well, This is what they will have to maintain throughout the season, and the drivers will have to adapt.. »
The penalty during the sprint was ultimately just the beginning of a difficult weekend for the Spaniard. On Sunday, while battling for a podium finish, a puncture ended his race.
Result: Marquez leave her Thailand with only nine points scored in the sprint, which places him eighth in the championship before the next round at Brazil.
An unusual situation for the eight-time world champion… but one that already promises a MotoGP season full of tension.
