The new format of a Grand Prix in MotoGP wants to bring even more spectacle to the track with the Sprint Race but also to bring the riders closer to the public, with events dedicated to optimizing this proximity. Literally and figuratively – since the process is obligatory under penalty of financial penalty – this openness is a constraint that Johann Zarco has been the only one until now to perfectly explain. Dorna says here that it takes inspiration from Formula 1, where the same drivers are real VIPs of the category during the competition. But even there, there are limits which seem to have been reached at the Miami Grand Prix last weekend…
To understand the issues at stake in this debate, we must recall the evaluation of Johann zarco on the part of the new format dedicated to proximity with fans: “ I say we can't sign autographs 15 minutes before practice Saturday morning ". And he explains again why: “ we have to prepare well so that we can stay focused on the bike later. Only then can we master the day at a consistently high level ».
He adds : " while the level in MotoGP continues to rise, we must prepare ourselves better and better for the constraints and take even better care of our bodies. So you have to think twice to put on the show. We do it on the bike, but off the bike we need time to concentrate. So imposing something like that on us 15 minutes before getting on the bike, maybe that's why there is more stress, more accidents, more injuries and fewer drivers on the track ».
« I understand that we are in the entertainment industry, and I'm fine with it if we do something that serves the sport in Grand Prix »
A weariness on the subject which first came to light in Formula 1 when Miami Grand Prix the preliminary of which was an unprecedented presentation of the drivers and with great fanfare. To the sound of a string orchestra composed by Will.i.am, LL Cool J presented each pilot making an entrance in a production that did not disappoint fans of the American show. But for the first interested parties who were then going to join their car to race, it was perhaps a little too much.
Public chat speedweek, we thus read the feeling of the Mercedes driver George Russell who finished fourth in this race won by the inevitable Max Verstappen dominating his team Perez and the indestructible Fernando Alonso : " This was a hot topic among us during the pilots' briefing. We knew what we were getting into, but I guess that's the American way. I'm open to new things, but I don't need them. I'm here to run, I'm not here for a show. This is my personal point of view, but it's not my thing. But I guess I don't have a choice ».
Then he specifies: “ it wasn't just a distraction because we stood there in the blazing sun for half an hour. I don't know of any other sport where an athlete has to go through something like this with the cameras in his face right before the action ". On this point, the Englishman should perhaps call the Frenchman from Pramac Ducati... " Of course, I understand we are in the entertainment industry. And that's fine with me if we do something that serves the sport. But honestly, I don't want to see this every GP weekend. I hear this is how it should be in future big races ».
« As far as I'm concerned, the short ceremony with the national anthem is enough for me, I think it's nice and it's also a sign of respect for the country we are in. But all this fuss about it, I have really mixed feelings » he finishes. One last remark which should be taken into account by Dorna who says he wants to draw inspiration from the best of Formula 1 to boost his MotoGP. On this one, we may have seen the worst in Miami.
