This is a painful moment that the world of Grands Prix is going through. Especially since he is in mourning. But like large families, this moment which should be one of contemplation turns into quarrels and the resurgence of old suspicions. A heavy atmosphere which emerged during the press conference with a few outbursts which made people feel uncomfortable.
The subject ?
The dignity demanded, after the death of Luis Salom the day before, has crumbled.
In question, these modifications made on the Montmélo route for safety reasons. Logically, when in doubt – because we still do not officially know anything about the causes of the tragedy – it was necessary to avoid the place where the accident occurred. Go for a turn 12 to forget this weekend. But why have other parts of the route not in the least concerned been modified? We don't really know, but the result is a sector 4 which makes the Yamahas sluggish while the Hondas are back on track.
A verdict from the stopwatch that annoys. Yamaha officials feel caught in a trap. Valentino Rossi, in his press conference, clearly questions what has led to such numerous changes. And for once, he receives all the support of his teammate Jorge Lorenzo : " I agree with the change regarding the penultimate corner because I believe that there should be more gravel to stop the bike in the event of an accident but I do not agree with the modification of the corner #10, I don't think it was necessary. We have more difficulty with these two changes, our bike is more stable in the fast curves but we suffer a little in the corners in first gear. Friday we had an advantage but now we lost it and we are behind ". Said the Majorcan on MotoGP.com.
How did we get to this point? This decision did not come out of the blue. It results from a decision taken unanimously by the security commission which met the day before, after the tragedy. Unanimity? Yes, but presents. These were Marc Marquez (Sling), Andrea Iannone (Dozens), Espargaro Pol (yamaha), Jack Miller (Sling), Bradley Smith (yamaha), Alvaro Bautista (Aprilia), Alex Espargaro (Suzuki), Andrea Dovizioso (Dozens), Tito Rabat (Honda) and Cal Crutchlow (Honda). That is 10 drivers out of the 21 on the field.
Point of Pedrosa, of Red or of Lorenzo. Who commented: “ I regret not having been invited as the reigning World Champion and current leader of the championship. I was not informed of anything. I don't understand why we didn't ask all 21 drivers to make a decision as important as changing the route. It's a shame, but that's how it is ».
Valentino Rossi, in his own conference, said he had other commitments. To this, Marc Márquez replied in a cold and scathing manner: “ there is one thing that is clear: every Friday, a safety committee takes place from 17:30 p.m. Normally 9 or 10 pilots attend, always the same ones. We have the opportunity to improve safety on the circuits and every driver must go. Yesterday, we met until 18:15 p.m. at the Dorna office, as usual. We decided by going to the circuit because looking at a sketch is one thing and being there is another. ».
In short, official Yamaha riders don't really get involved on a daily basis. Instead of Marc Márquez. A point for him. But given the importance of the decision taken, should we not have summoned all the parties directly? That said, there was drama. Which could have better raised awareness among those who were absent. Who, says the adage, are always wrong.
Now what to say? The damage is done. Both on the track and on the image and the admitted annoyance of Johann zarco during the press conference is quite a symbol. The final word could come back to Dani Pedrosa who still plays the wise man: “ it's just one area that has been changed. The rest of the route is the same. If the last sector is good for Honda, the rest of the circuit is not. It's clear that Honda doesn't have the best bike. It is up to each person to cry about their fate or not. I think about the essentials. Yesterday we lost a pilot. And that’s all that should take precedence over the rest. ».
