The crash at the Australian Grand Prix between Maverick Viñales and Marco Bezzecchi has rekindled a long-standing discussion in MotoGP: the growing impact of aerodynamics. There are two fiercely opposed camps on the subject, represented here by the contributions of retired rider Casey Stoner and active rider Aleix Espargaró.
Casey Stoner, known for his criticism of aerodynamics in MotoGP, was quick to point the finger at the aerodynamic devices as being responsible for the crash. In a comment posted on MotoGP's official Instagram account, he said: " This is the result of aerodynamicsThe wake generated by these motorcycles at this speed is too great.. " According to Stoner, the introduction and intensive use of aerodynamics transformed racing, making certain situations dangerous, particularly in fast corners such as those at Phillip Island.
On the other hand Aleix Espargaró, teammate of Casa Particular in Viñales in Aprilia, rejected the idea that aerodynamics were to blame for the incident. At a news conference before the Thailand Grand Prix, Espargaró wanted to clarify his position by maintaining that aero was not a novelty and that Bezzecchi should have simply been more careful in his actions.
Aleix Espargaró: “ We've known for five years what's happening in this corner with aerodynamics. Going behind aero to justify the action is not fair »
« Aerodynamics make corners like Phillip Island more difficult, but we've known for five years what's happening in this corner with the aero. Going behind the aero to justify the action is not fair " he told the media, including crash.net. I will espargaro thinks that the mistake of Bezzecchi was avoidable and that the penalty imposed was not commensurate with the seriousness of the accident.
I will espargaro is therefore of the opinion that the penalty imposed on Bezzecchi does not correspond to the scale of the incident: " Many people say he was just trying to overtake. But it was a big mistake, and it caused a big accident.. Comparing this to a penalty for obstructing someone on a fast lap is not fair. He should have been much more careful. »
The debate on aerodynamics in MotoGP therefore remains open. On the one hand, Stoner warns of the dangers of aerodynamic wake, whileI will espargaro stresses the individual responsibility of pilots. The incident Viñales-Bezzecchi, at least had the merit of relaunching the debates...
