WSBK, Most VIDEO: Massacre during an FP1 marked by four red flags

The first free practice session (FP1) of the World Superbike Championship at Most was marked by five serious crashes involving Jonathan Rea, Andrea Iannone, Remy Gardner, Nicolò Bulega, and Andrea Locatelli, all victims of highsides caused by a loss of grip. These incidents, rare with modern electronics, highlighted dangerous conditions and structural flaws on the circuit.

The first free practice session (FP1) of the Superbike World Championship (WSBK) at Most, in the Czech Republic, was dramatically interrupted this Friday by a series of five spectacular accidents, all similar, plunging drivers and teams into concern. In a cool temperature of 13°C, Jonathan Rea, Andrea Iannone, Remy Gardner, Nicolò Bulega et Andrea Locatelli were victims of violent highsides.

Jonathan Rhea, which had already suffered a heavy fall in February, has once again avoided the worst. Its Yamaha R1 ended up in the gravel trap, but the Northern Irishman escaped unharmed. Locatelli, slightly injured in the left knee, and Gardner, bruised but able, were able to return to the track for FP2. On the other hand, the championship leader, Nicholas Bulega, had to be evacuated on a stretcher. Diagnosed with bruises to his right ankle and left knee, the Italian nevertheless intends to continue his weekend.

It's already over for Andrea Iannone at Most

The most seriously affected remains Andrea Iannone, victim of a double fracture of two toes of the right footThe former MotoGP rider was forced to retire from this round.

How can we explain this succession of identical falls? A team member, wishing to remain anonymous, gave his analysis on speedweek : " It was a combination of several things. The track was dirty, the tires barely broken in, and the temperature too low.. In addition, the wet areas on the black asphalt were invisible. And Pirelli brought a new rear tire that was not suitable for these conditions »

Another issue raised: the lack of a service road in MostEach accident therefore leads to the immediate interruption of the tests, a critical situation for the organization of the sessions. A commissioner, hit by Gardner's Yamaha during the accident, also ended up in hospital..

With an uncertain weather forecast – alternating between sun, rain and wind – conditions are likely to remain tricky. Teams will have to be extra cautious, while organizers and Pirelli will be under pressure to avoid further tragedies.

Toprak Razgatlioglu (BMW), triple winner at Most in 2023 and currently second in the championship, could take advantage of the circumstances to close the gap against Open upBut after this chaotic FP1, one question remains: will the safety of the drivers be guaranteed for the future?

WSBK Most: FP1 chronos