MotoGP, "Too rigid an interpretation of the regulations is absurd and unnecessary," but who said that?

The stewards' decisions are much talked about in MotoGP, where the rules are called into question at every Grand Prix. Jan Witteveen, engineer, former architect of the Aprilia dynasty in small categories and multi-titled, talks about the evolution of the rules, and does not fail to criticize the current system, which, according to him, does not allow the riders to express themselves enough during heated moments.

In an interview for Motosan, the former technical director spoke at length about the new rules being applied, and is not a big fan of the penalties given after races, particularly those linked to low tire pressures. "Nowadays, league tables are often revised after the fact. Viewers often see completely different results and league tables two hours after turning off their TVs. In the 2024 MotoGP sprint race at Jerez alone, five riders received a 16-second penalty: Quartararo, Miller, Raúl Fernández, Di Giannantonio and Rins" he declared, while assuming he understood Michelin's desire to reduce the risks linked to pressure.

Photo: Michelin Motorsport

However, too many rules kill the rules. « Grand Prix organizers naturally seek action, spectacle, excitement and spectacular effect.Ideally, races would be decided only in the final corners. Viewers at home, in front of their televisions and in the grandstands at the circuit should enjoy an exceptional spectacle. But today, a driver must lose a place after a sudden overtaking. And penalties are also provided for repeated exceeding of track limits, sometimes only after the finish line. he added.

Witteveen much prefers old-fashioned explanations, without too many rules to curb the pilots' creativity. "Those in charge should allow for a fierce battle on the track, so that the best rider with the fastest bike wins. Too rigid an interpretation of the regulations and unjustified sanctions for drivers is absurd and unnecessaryIt also harms the team, which works tirelessly for three or four days and then risks missing out on the podium because the track limits were exceeded by just one centimeter during a fierce duel. The best driver must win! This principle must remain the absolute priority in this sport. » he concluded.

Do you agree with his analysis? Tell us in the comments!