The crusade launched by Scott Redding seems to have challenged WSBK officials. This concerns the question of calculating the minimum weight based on a combination between the rider and his motorcycle. However, World Superbike, like MotoGP, continues to specify the limit by taking into account the machine only. A divisive debate since the small and light as well as the tall and heavier feel stigmatized...
The question of weight at the moment for the average citizen revolves around the inevitable excesses during this holiday period, conducive to giving in to all temptations, with inevitable consequences on the seesaw. But in competition, it is a serious item which calls into question the regulations. And the susceptibilities. In Grand Prix for example, Luca marini from the top of his 184 cm bearing 69 kilos states: “ It's something really anti-democratic, I think. Why should a heavy rider be penalized for something that is right in his nature? This is something that makes no sense in my opinion. ».
Scott Redding, made him 185 cm for 78 kilos. He therefore has all the morphological reasons to ask for a balance with taking into account the weight of the driver in the meaning of a regulation fixing a minimum load to be respected in the competition. The official BMW opened up about it, provoking a lively discussion with his successor at Ducati, Álvaro Bautista. The latter did not fail to emphasize that the Englishman's regrets looked a lot like excuses for not having succeeded where he had just achieved with the Panigale V4R.
Still, this subject of minimum weight with that of the pilot in it is making headway. But not to do justice to either camp. The reflection is taking its course on a much more pragmatic terrain and that of the spectacle on the track... Thus, in 2022, Baptist won 16 times and finished on the podium 31 times. Finally, he was crowned champion with 601 points, while Toprak Razgatlioglu et Jonathan Rhea scored just over 500 points. But the other drivers did not cross the 300 points barrier.
WSBK would lead the way for ballast to achieve minimum weight combined with lighter riders
Bautista, Rea et Razgatlioglu were also the only men to reach the highest place on the podium this season. A scenario that motivates some to campaign for greater equality between riders and motorcycles. According to GPONe.com, the manufacturers have reportedly decided to introduce a minimum motorcycle+rider weight for the 2024 season. The Italian portal even mentions the possibility that Dorna and END are considering a version “ more flexible » of this minimum weight from next year. The objective is to ensure a better balance between the different machines that are part of the championship while avoiding excessive domination by one brand.
It should be noted that only six other drivers were able to finish at least one race on the podium, but without a victory. It is Michael Ruben Rinaldi (four podiums), alex lowes (four podiums), Scott Redding (three podiums), Axel Bassani (three podiums), Andrea Locatelli (two podiums), Iker Lecuona (a podium) and Garrett gerloff (a podium).
As for MotoGP, the spectacle is already in place and the podium is much more shared. Luca marini can therefore a priori wait a long time before his voice is heard. And all the more so since changes to technical rules require unanimous agreement from manufacturers. Now, they don't like the idea of running their machines at different weights, due to the need for ballast to achieve the combined weight with lighter riders.
