Espargaro: “In these conditions, we couldn’t ride”

Aleix Espargaro is one of the drivers MotoGP who do not have their tongue in their pocket. And on Friday, the Aprilia rider made it clear that it was “unrealistic” to ride during the first free practice session in the wet. “Sometimes I have the impression that they leave the red flag at home,” he said about race management. In a straight line, I couldn't pass 14 rpm, otherwise it would slip. There was aquaplaning on the home straight and I told the team I would ride when it stopped, I don't want to kill myself. It was surreal. In these conditions we couldn't drive, it was impossible. »

“I told the team that I would ride when it stopped, I don’t want to kill myself.”

This did not prevent other drivers from facing the rain and few falls were to be deplored in FP1. “Only Zarco rode and well done to him, but all the other drivers were in the box and came out when it stopped raining,” underlined the Catalan.

Day 1 at Assen! 😃✌️ pic.twitter.com/6dAzylP9HW

— Aleix Espargaro (@AleixEspargaro) June 24, 2022

The Safety Commission gave its point of view

The conditions of FP1 were discussed within the Security Commission; a meeting which takes place on Friday evening in the presence of pilots (volunteers) and representatives of the governing bodies. Saturday morning, the press received a press release to clarify the situation. “A consensus has emerged within the Safety Commission for a driver to choose whether or not to participate in a free practice session in limited conditions. Driver feedback on track conditions is intended to be vital information, and is valued as such, in case similar conditions are encountered during the race. FP1 conditions were passable, as evidenced by the fact that a number of drivers improved their times during the session. Discussions within the Safety Commission regarding conditions, and driver feedback, are of the utmost importance to Race Direction to inform future decisions. This is particularly vital for sessions such as racing, when it does not rely on a driver's discretion when exiting the pitlane. »