After discussing the “problems” linked to the new regulations, we must still pay tribute to our sport. Indeed, in its current form, even ardent nostalgic fans cannot remain indifferent to the spectacle offered in recent years.
Le MotoGP is a fantastic sport. Therefore, not all subjects can be covered in this single episode. Four specific points, not necessarily the most commonly discussedt, were chosen. Don’t hesitate to share your ideas with us in the comments! All will be read and debated with passion. It goes without saying, but each discipline (WSBK, EWC, SX, MX…) has its strengths and a ranking would not be relevant.
I) Impressive diversity
Few major championships can boast of such diversity. Six renowned manufacturers who, on top of that, can all compete for the podium. This is an incredible opportunity, although this has not always been the case in history. The period
2016-2021 is particularly auspicious at this level.
A diversity which is expressed in terms of fuel, chassis, but also engine architectures. Thus, the sounds are marked and identifiable. We can just regret the monopoly
Brembo in terms of the brakes but this is a detail. When we compare to the Formula 1 (the counterpart of MotoGP on four wheels), it's day and night.
La DORN leaves great freedom in terms of chassis design as well as aerodynamics, which is a very good thing.
II) A significant renewal of pilots.
On this point, MotoGP beats all sports. The level of young people is staggering. Marc Márquez, upon his arrival in 2013, was considered a OVNI due to his particular driving style but also his precocity (20 years old at the time). Today, he is the oldest of all the contenders for victory each weekend.
Difficult to say if a particular driver will stand out in the years to come as the level is so homogeneous. Photo: Michelin Motorsport
This golden generation, soon reinforced by Raúl Fernández, Remy gardner and others, continues to progress. In Moto3, it's even more impressive. To find such competitive and young grids, we have to go back to the beginning of the 2000s in 125cc. Between the awesome Peter Acosta, the fiery Deniz Öncü and the promising Sergio García, the future is in good hands.
Another notable fact but rarely mentioned: The
generational renewal. On the Formula 1 grid, we find a lot of names from the 1990s-2000s.
Verstappen, Raikkönen,
Schumacher, Alonso, Sainz without even counting Hag et
Hamilton who are still prominent drivers despite their age.
This is not the case in MotoGP. The set is always fresh, full of new personalities, breaking with the past. This guarantees the sustainability of a championship and represents a real sporting, commercial and television strength.
III) An unbeatable format
Grand Prix weekends are simply perfectly arranged. The 45-minute races are rarely boring and leave room for attack and suspense. The system
flag-to-flag (popularized from 2013 although older) is a very good idea, which undoubtedly puts the nerves of pilots to the test.
The qualifications revolution in two parts (Q1/Q2 from 2013) goes in this direction and keeps us in suspense for 30 intense minutes. A single race per round is sufficient for the readability of the championship, which already has around twenty meetings (in normal times).
Don't forget Joan Mir, who carries Suzuki at arm's length. Photo: Michelin Motorsport
IV) The relationship between man and machine
With WRC, MotoGP is the sport where a man is least dependent on his mount. Indeed, the technological dimension is certainly important, but not invasive. The drivers retain great freedom and their share in the performance is more important than in Formula 1 or in WEC for example (sports called “ brands », Understand« of engineers
").
Make no mistake: This phenomenon is inherent to motorcycle sports (of tradition, undoubtedly) and not just in the MotoGP championship exclusively. But this dimension deserves a mention nonetheless.
Of course, these few points do not include more obvious notions such as the spectacle on the track, or the important personality of some, often more assertive than in other motor sports.
That's all for today ! See you next week for more adventures!
Fabio Quartararo will undoubtedly become the first French champion in the premier category, an additional opportunity to support the sport. Photo: Michelin Motorsport
Cover photo: Michelin Motorsport
