No, we are not going to focus this article on the absence of the “ cart » during the Grand Prix MotoGP of Qatar, this being due only to the fact that the Lusail circuit in Qatar only has one grandstand and, despite its magnificent facilities, receives a very limited number of spectators (only 15 on Sunday! ). In terms of absent subscribers, we were also able to register yellow flags, advantageously replaced by luminous panels, much more visible at night, even if a technical problem concerning them led to the delay of certain sessions. But the real mystery concerned the curbs on the Qatari track, which the drivers happily crossed on numerous occasions without causing the slightest penalty...
First of all, let's reassure its fans: yes, the cart will make its return from the Portuguese Grand Prix next Sunday!
This unbearable anxiety having now been eradicated, and the yellow flags waved by the numerous more or less volunteer track marshals, without whom the Grands Prix could not exist (Thanks to them!) not being in danger, let us now focus on the kerbs. of the Lusail circuit.
These, as on all circuits around the world, are located outside the two white lines which symbolize the limits of the usable track. Concretely, it is still tolerated to ride on them without being penalized because they are supposed to slow down motorcycles, unlike the green parts (color inherited from the Astroturf that was there before, imitating grass) which immediately generate a report thanks to to pressure sensors.
This is where it gets complicated, because if the detection is more and more automatic, the processing is human (see our article on the subject). To avoid any litigation and reduce the workload of the FIM MotoGP Stewards (up to 2000 infractions per weekend), the FIM, and more precisely Bartolome Alfonso, developed the famous “Misano 200” vibrators. These measure 2 meters long by 1,5 meters wide, and mainly have differences in height of 5 cm in their exterior part. Riding on their jagged surface really wastes time, and going out even wider creates a real step to climb to get back on track...
The Qatar circuit is widely equipped with these aggressive curbs for MotoGP, but even more so for Formula 1, which also caused many problems for the latter's tires during the last Qatar Grand Prix, in October 2023, causing an upheaval of the weekend concerned (modification of the limits of turns 12 and 13, three compulsory stops during the race, etc.).
After the Qatar Formula 1 GP, some of the exterior curb janglings were even partially rounded to find the right balance between the requirements of F1 and MotoGP. According to FIM simulations, however, they remain sufficiently dissuasive and a factor in wasting time (at least one second) so that the asphalt placed on their exterior is no longer necessarily painted green, but left to the taste of the designers of the traced, that is to say burgundy color in this case.
The only exception is the inside of the bends, sometimes painted burgundy but which could constitute a shortcut. We then apply the rule of areas painted green. Because green however remains in force, including in certain corners of Lusail, and there, the general rule applies: automatic detection, calculation of the advantage received or not (compared to the average of the previous sectors), and possibly penalty.
This is proportional to the perceived advantage: if the driver gains one second, he will have a penalty of two seconds, if the driver only loses 0,1 second, he will have a penalty of 9 tenths to correspond to the obligatory loss of a second.
Yes, it's complicated, especially in the heat of the moment where it's easy to rebel in front of your screen, but rest assured that the FIM MotoGP Stewards are keeping an eye on the fairness of the sport.
And since you have read this article to the end, for those who want more, here is our translation of the protocol regarding track limits.
A track limit violation occurs when a rider exceeds the limits and possibly gains an advantage. Borders (except double borders) are part of the track. Double curbs and areas of green-painted asphalt connected to and outside the curbs are outside the track. Exceeding a track limit is recorded when a tire is outside the track and touches the green painted surface.
Detection is ensured by pressure sensors located outside the borders and by detection cameras. Detectors are installed and the area is painted green only where an advantage can be gained by exceeding the runway limits. When no advantage can be gained, the area is not monitored.
Decisions regarding track limits are made solely by the FIM MotoGP Stewards Panel and are final, with no possibility of protest or appeal. Before issuing a penalty, track limit violations are confirmed by video.
Track limits – outside of a race
Exceeding track limits during practice and qualifying = cancellation of the associated sector time and therefore cancellation of the lap time.
Track limits – during a race
- The rider is clearly at a disadvantage (according to the commissioners' assessment):
– No penalty and the incident is not recorded. - Undetermined loss or gain:
– If no loss or gain is evident, the incident is recorded, as some errors are allowed, but too many errors constitute a "presumed advantage", i.e. the rider is not using the same track as the others, even if he gains no advantage from it.
– When a rider has committed three track limit violations, a track limit warning message is sent to the rider's dashboard. For the MotoGP Sprint, 1 track limit = warning.
– When a rider violates track limits 5 times, a “long lap penalty” is imposed via a traffic sign and a message is sent to the rider's dashboard. For the MotoGP Sprint, 3 track limits = penalty.
– Tolerances are provided in the event of a forced exit from the track by another driver. Therefore, in the first lap of the race, undetermined infractions are not recorded, but depending on the circumstances, a clear advantage gained is almost always penalized, including during the first lap. - The runner gets a clear advantage:
– If a clear advantage is obtained (in the opinion of the FIM MotoGP Stewards), the Stewards will immediately issue a penalty for this infringement.
– Penalties may include a change of position, a time penalty or a long lap penalty. If the rider voluntarily surrenders the advantage immediately after the incident, he can avoid a penalty.
– The incident is not included in the “undetermined” count. - First turn Lap 1:
– Riders are often jostled in turn 1 after the start and to avoid falls at this point, the limits of the track are not recorded. However, no benefit can be gained from this situation.
However, no advantage can be gained from this situation, and a penalty may therefore be imposed even if positions are not gained by going off the track. - Last round :
– For riders closely competing for position, if a track limits infraction is committed on the final lap (which the stewards believe affected the outcome of the race, whether or not there was a change of position), the rider concerned must show a clear disadvantage. The guideline for a “close fight” is for runners to be separated by 0,5 seconds or less at the time of the incident and at the finish line. The track, position of the infraction, and conditions are also considered when determining whether a track limits infraction affected the outcome of the race.
– Exceeding a track limit during the final lap that affects the finishing position without clearly disadvantaging the rider exceeding the track limits will result in a change of position or a time penalty.
– The principle is that a rider exceeding the limits of the track during the last lap must be in a worse position than the rider(s) with whom he is directly competing for a finishing position. - Summary:
Exiting from asphalt is safer than on gravel and grass, but in some places it can be used to gain an unfair advantage. This is why the track boundaries at places where an advantage can be gained are monitored by pressure sensors and dedicated cameras with multiple operators. Decisions and penalties are made by the FIM MotoGP stewards, based on clear evidence. NOT ALL track limits result in a penalty, based on the criteria above.
The final lap is a special case for drivers who are closely competing for position, as it can affect the outcome of the race.
The principle is that it is best for a rider to stay on the track, and that an unfair advantage cannot be gained by exceeding the limits of the track.
