MotoGP and wings VIDEO: how the same scene can be interpreted differently depending on the interests at stake

It's a chilling scene, seen during FP1 of the Italian Grand Prix at Mugello and which pits Aleix Espargaró, driver of a high-performance Aprilia factory, who relaunched the theme of fins by placing one on the rear of his RS-GP, and Miguel Oliveira, pilot of a KTM who cannot do it and whose employer proclaims to anyone who will listen that part of his misfortune and that of the category comes from the wings which must be banned. The images are rapid as the two champions are traveling at over 350 km/h and we see the Portuguese straying dangerously off the line at the end of the straight when the Spaniard passes him. From there, the versions diverge…

First, it must be remembered that this scene was not repeated between other competitors in the same place, which objectively classifies it as an isolated moment. But in an atmosphere where those who lose too often are exasperated by others who win too frequently, this remains an element in the open file on the harmful effects of fins.

We see that in the long start/finish straight, Alex Espargaro (Aprilia) slips into the wake of Miguel Oliveira (KTM) to overtake it on the right. Espargaró passes, but Oliveira is pushed off the track to the left on his KTM at full speed without there being the slightest contact. Olive tree was lucky there was asphalt there after a short stretch of grass. The Portuguese was able to keep his bike under control and avoid a fall. However, he was left with quite a scare. And indeed he commented on Motorsport-total : " it's scary. I was aware that I was coming into the grass, but I stayed cool. I still got the turn ».

In the course of events, Olive tree don't criticize I will espargaro, but he criticizes the increasingly sophisticated aerodynamics of MotoGP: “ Aleix was sucked into my wake and it pushed me outward. We come to a ridge at this point and there is the wall there. We're a little tilted at this point. It's at the limit, especially when suddenly the wind comes ", Explain Olive tree which ends up unfolding the speech of KTM on the fins: “ when these things happen, you think a little. Is the show with the fins really better? We rode without fins for many years. We would then have less available performance and would have to control it better. You should be a better pilot. This would be a good solution. Maybe it's a little too dangerous. We need to seriously discuss this issue. But all drivers must be involved and not just every now and then a driver or a manufacturer ».

Exactly, Aleix Espargaró, who experienced the scene as closely as Miguel Oliveira gets involved: “ the scene with Miguel was really dangerous. I spoke to him and immediately apologized to him because I guess I misjudged him a bit and that's why our bikes got too close together. But he said: 'No no, you were far from me. But the wind carried you towards me. And it was also the wind that made me deviate from the track ».

« Removing the fins would mean completely rethinking motorcycles, it would change everything from power to geometry« 

And the fins? The official Aprilia is clear: they are, on the contrary, useful for security: “ we can't just ban fins now, because then motorcycles would completely change their characteristics. This would have a much greater impact than the one that took place when the tire brand changed from Bridgestone to Michelin. Basically, we could certainly go back to driving without fins. But after all the development that has taken place, it doesn't happen overnight. That takes time », explains the pilot Aprilia.

And he ends: “ Removing them now would mean completely rethinking motorcycles, it would change everything from power to geometry. Before it was very difficult to face the first turn, now with the wings it has become much easier ". Totally rethinking motorcycles? This would certainly be good news for at least two manufacturers who are at the forefront of the campaign calling for the disappearance of fins altogether. After all, the political and media maneuver worked to achieve the eradication of FRHD brought by Ducati.

It will be remembered, however, that Marc Marquez has a more balanced opinion, calling for in-depth study and limitation rather than banning, since he recognizes certain benefits not only of ailerons, but also of trim. We are here in a MotoGP which still aims to field prototypes, unlike WSBK. And an efficient motorcycle is one that proves to be the fastest while respecting regulations, which highlights the know-how of its designers who should be congratulated for that and not blacklisted or ridiculed. It takes everything to make a world and for those nostalgic for the simple and refined machine of yesteryear, we invite them to meet at the “ Sunday Ride Classic » in June at Castelet.