Both Aleix Espargaró and Pecco Bagnaia have expressed their frustration with the practice of waiting for a 'tow' in MotoGP qualifying. Both drivers stressed that this tactic, although legal, harms the purity of competition and can even be dangerous.
Aleix Espargaró, who took pole position at Silverstone, declared about the habits and customs in force during the qualifications in MotoGP: “ I agree with Pecco. It's ridiculous that drivers wait in the box all the time to be towed. It's ridiculous to see five or six drivers and it's always the same drivers in the middle of the track waiting for the others. It is also dangerous because the others don't want to attack and the tires get cold."
The pilot Aprilia added : " I don't like to go behind others. I like to work alone. I agree with Pecco."
Aleix Espargaró and Pecco Bagnaia make common cause on MotoGP qualifying: will they be heard?
For its part, bagnaia was even more direct: “ we are the best pilots in the world. We are here because we can do things alone. Our speed is excellent solo. I don't understand why some drivers need to be towed. For what ? For a tenth, two tenths... It's better to be alone and focus on performance and don't think I'm going to follow anyone."
The reigning world champion also highlighted the impact of this practice on intermediate categories : “ in Moto3, four minutes from the finish, six riders made the time because the effect of towing is greater. For now they can do it because they have us as an example."
The reviews ofEspargaró and bagnaia highlight a recurring problem in MotoGP. If this tactic is authorized by the regulations, it raises many questions about sporting fairness and the purity of the competition. Both drivers called for reflection on this subject in order to make qualifying fairer and more exciting for drivers and spectators.
MotoGP, Great Britain, Silverstone J2:
Starting grid:
Sprint:
Championship:
