Let's talk MotoGP: This problem must become a priority, and quickly

Here we are again for a new episode of “Parlons MotoGP”, and we are going to look at a primordial question which does not seem to worry that much. This publication follows directly from yesterday's, which we invite you to find by clicking here.

 

Can MotoGP manufacturers solve the problem?

 

Yesterday, I left you with a first answer, namely the calendar. Yes, it's true that there are a lot of races in South-East Asia, that they are hot given the season, and that they come one after the other. But in reality, there isn't much we can do about it. The other aggravating factor that I detected is quite different, since it concerns the manufacturers involved.

It will not have escaped your notice, but three of the riders who almost lost consciousness on the machine were riding the Aprilia RS-GP, namely Aleix Espargaró, Maverick Viñales and Raúl Fernández. Odd. Another clue; Jorge Martín had already ridden alone in India, so in nobody's aspiration – we'll come back to that in a few moments, and had almost passed out in the parc ferme. In Thailand, he looked in better shape, and the humidity did not prevent him from taking a sensational victory. Isn't there a phenomenon relating to the Aprilia ? It's very likely.

 

 

Current MotoGP cars are very advanced aerodynamically speaking, especially Noale's bikes.. The more the fairing encompasses the rider, the lower the air penetration coefficient, and the faster the motorcycle is in a straight line. In addition, the fins help to increase the surface area of ​​the machine, which increases the suction phenomenon. The one following goes faster because less air comes to meet it. This is an advantage, but as a result, it has difficulty cooling. If we couple this with the heat emitted by the motorcycle, it becomes incandescent. This is why Raúl Fernández, in a pack, simply slowed down to regain his strength and benefit from a little freshness.

I am aware that these are not two hot races which will alter the aerodynamics of the machines. As it would be stupid to ask to no longer go to this region of the world, it would be just as stupid to demand the removal of the fins for this simple reason.. But yet, there is perhaps an avenue to explore. Of course, the whole bike emits heat, but in the case of Fernández, Viñales and Espargaró, it was mainly the air to the head that was missing. This is what can cause discomfort, for example. Can't DORNA force the installation of a temperature and oxygen sensor under the bubble, with penalties provided for in the event of non-compliance with the imposed rates? The World Endurance Car Championship required teams to install air conditioning in closed cars for this same reason.

Contrary to what one might think, builders can perfectly help cool this area; Aprilia, in Indonesia, released an air supply into the bubble to relieve the riders. There is a way to play on this parameter, and therefore, to avoid a tragedy. The idea would have to be studied in more depth but on a technical level, this would pose no problem for either the teams or DORNA.

 

 

The simplest idea may be the best

 

After a long moment of reflection, there remains a simpler idea which guarantees to keep the soul of the championship intact MotoGP, its physical difficulty and its spectacle. Reduce the number of turns. With the advent of Sprints, we already have a lot more racing time than before. We can perfectly compete in the equivalent of two Sprints if the weather conditions are too restrictive. We would have no right to complain about it; the stakes are too high, MotoGP is dangerous enough as it is. If we continue like this, a catastrophe awaits us.. Needless to say, temperatures are not expected to drop in the coming years, particularly in this part of the world.

 

 

By keeping the same points distributed, this measure would not disrupt the teams. Pilots could give just as much effort with less risk.

 

Conclusion

 

DORNA needs to address this problem as quickly as possible.. In a single race, three drivers came close to illness. If one of them loses consciousness and falls in a braking phase while at the front of a pack, his life is in great danger, much more than with any highside. This does not mean that we should neglect the exotic destinations that are so important at the time of World MotoGP, or even compete in them at another time of the season. The integrity of the championship must remain intact. Likewise, there is no point asking for the removal of wings for three races in the year; they have their place at the highest level of research on earth. On the other hand, there is undoubtedly a way to force the teams to make efforts by pushing for a measurement of the temperature and the oxygen level (and therefore, of the air) at head level, even if they must adjust the front of the fairings to relieve their pilots. They will perhaps lose in pure performance, yes, but Aprilia has gained nothing with the retirement of Maverick Viñales.

Finally, if that's not enough, don't hesitate to reduce the running distance. A measure as simple as it is saving, without a doubt. Even fans would easily understand that such athletes, the best on the planet, could ask for it.

And you what do you think ? Tell us in the comments! The second part is already available. Click here to find it!

 

 

Cover photo: Michelin Motorsport