This wet French Grand Prix is a challenge after two days marked by 77 falls recorded in the three competing categories equipped with thermal engines. By that, we mean that there are many more accidents if you count the MotoE contingent. Voices are being raised in MotoGP about safety, with Valentino Rossi speaking of literally frightening moments on a track going from dry to wet in a matter of minutes. Aleix Espargaró, who will start 13th on the starting grid this Sunday with his Aprilia, brings his expertise in flowery language…
Aleix Espargaró added to the crash statistics on a personal level since he fell twice during free practice on Friday. Many other drivers also landed on the asphalt or in the gravel or complained about the very low level of grip on the Bugatti circuit. Saturday afternoon's qualifying took place at Le Mans in humid weather of 15 degrees Celsius and an asphalt temperature of 21 degrees.
« I was quick with my first fall on Friday ", said the official Aprilia. " During the second, I was very slow, the front tire slipped. All the time it means safety, safety, safety, safety. If we talk about safety, we can't come to Le Mans at this time of year. Tires don't works, we have seen 77 falls so far. At 12 degrees and 20 on the asphalt, the tires don't work, neither the Michelin nor the Dunlop. Everyone falls. Are we all idiots? No we are not ! I'm not complaining because we're riding on a wet track, that's my job. But not at 12 degrees. Why don't we drive here in normal conditions? If this is not possible, the manufacturer must bring special tires for Le Mans ».
Aleix Espargaró reminds Michelin of its responsibilities
The teammate of a Savadori who will start eleventh continues: “ the K front tire is very soft, but no one can use it this weekend. This is our normal standard tire that we use everywhere. Everyone here uses the P tire, which we normally put on when we transport the motorcycles. It's super, super tender. And yet we fall because Michelin has no other, gentler option. What is this selection of tires for? You have to think about it. We had a long meeting in the safety committee on Friday and the pilots made their point of view clear ».
Aleix Espargaró ends with this prediction: “ If Sunday's race takes place in the dry, I will be fast, even if we don't have much data. In the wet it becomes unpredictable, but the RS-GP performs well in all conditions ».
MotoGP France Le Mans J2: qualifying
Credit classification motogp.com
