Tire pressure rule sparks debate in Qatar

As a reminder, the regulations in MotoGP stipulates that this minimum tire pressure defined on the sidelines of an event must be calculated at this rate during at least 50% of the main race and 30% of the Sprint.

While in 2024, non-compliance with this rule will result in disqualification of the offending motorcycle, for the moment only a warning is issued upon a rider's first deviation. A time penalty is imposed in the event of a repeat offense (3 seconds, then 6 and 12).

However, the rule is far from unanimous and on the contrary the pilots would like to get rid of it. In Qatar, many of them raised their voices at a press conference, often describing the regulation as useless, even dangerous, because it would put them in difficulty with their rubbers.

« This rule is stupid and does not improve security in any way, begins fabio quartararo. The minimum tire pressure is now around 1,88 bar, but it would be better to reduce it to 1,80 for now. Even if you drive at 1,75 bar, the tire will not explode. We need to talk about this because it is necessary to remember that it is equally dangerous to ride with high pressure. If the tire wears out due to too much pressure, the motorcycle also becomes unpredictable. »

And Francesco Bagnaia adds. “No one agrees with this rule. It has a huge influence on riding style, and worsens the situation in terms of safety because the front tire makes the bike unstable if the pressure is too high. »

ALSO READ > The schedule for the MotoGP Qatar Grand Prix

As tire pressure tends to increase when a driver spends the race in the wake of another machine, we can imagine that the teams affected by the warnings expect more duels on the track when their drivers have chained the solo loops.

“I don't think the rule is fair because it kills the show, continues Aleix Espargaró. The pressure increases when you are involved in a duel and decreases when you ride alone, so the regulations do not favor duels on the track.

An opinion widely shared by Raul Fernandez. “It is impossible to predict whether you will spend a race alone or fighting with other drivers. This is why it is difficult to gauge pressure. It's sad because the world title may even be decided by this rule. »

A conclusion which refers to the fact that the two title contenders are now under threat of a penalty. This line in the regulations could therefore be of capital importance at the end of the season. In the event of a sanction, the slightest unit lost could cost dearly in the final count.