According to the very admission of a disappointed Aleix Espargaró, and also more than concerned by the subject due to the serious injuries of his brother Pol, for years, in Portimao, the pilots warned about the state of the gravel traps at Portugal. Clearance routes unsuitable for motorcycle racing, where we encounter more construction stones than small stones precisely calibrated to slow down the rider, and not tear him to pieces. But, finally, things will change. Words by Carmelo Ezpeleta.
Avant Pol Espargaro who fell in the worst place on the Portimao track for a motorcycle rider, since the escape route there was only a launching ramp against a wall of tires devoid of airfence, there had been Fabio Di Giannantonio who had violently become acquainted with the gravel trap of the track during the off-season test. His helmet had been destroyed in the action and the Italian had to be put to rest for a few days, while he regained his senses.
« There are enough other countries and circuits applying to host a Grand Prix to replace Portugal »
Emotions had been high on the Friday evening of the Grand Portugal and the site bosses had worked at night to put good gravel in certain places for the rest of the meeting. An emergency action which cannot close the case. Besides, for the boss of Dorna Carmelo Ezpeleta, it remains open.
We read of him on speedweek : " either changes are made to the gravel runoff areas or there will be no Portuguese Grand Prix in 2024 ". And these are not empty words: “ there are enough other countries and circuits applying to host a Grand Prix to replace Portimao if security measures are not adjusted ". These are the compatriots of the President of the FIM Jorge Viegas informed and their first passing exam will be this year. Indeed, the problems will have to be resolved before the World Championship race Superbike in Portimao expected from September 29 to October 1.
