MotoGP makes last-minute change to one of the most controversial regulations of the series, days before the start of the 2024 season. Instead of facing disqualification, riders who violate the minimum tire pressure rule will now receive a 16-second time penalty in the main race on Sunday.
The rule, which was introduced in the middle of the 2023 season, led to the changing of several race results in the final part of the championship. A notable incident occurred when Fabio Di Giannantonio, rider for Gresini Ducati, was stripped of a podium in the last race of the year. The previous penalty system, which included increasing time penalties and a warning for first-time offenders, would be replaced by immediate disqualification in the 2024 season. However, many riders on the grid expressed their concerns about the severity of this punishment, considering that tire pressures are influenced by various race circumstances beyond their control.
According to the new regulations, penalized riders will still receive a valid result in the race, but with a 16-second penalty for a Grand Prix (reduced to eight seconds in a short race). Although this penalty makes it almost impossible to remain competitive, it is worth noting that the minimum tire pressure limit has been reduced. The critical pressure for the front tire is now set at 1.80 bar, and adjustments can be made on a case-by-case basis.
Aleix Espargaro, from Aprilia, expressed his satisfaction with the reduction of the minimum pressure, stating that this would make their lives easier. He recalled the difficulties of constantly struggling to stay within the limit and facing penalties throughout the previous season. However, it is important to mention that MotoGP also increased the percentage of laps that riders must be above the minimum limit in the main race, from 50% in 2023 to 60% now (with the figure of 30% remaining for the short races).
The controversial rules regarding minimum pressures were implemented by Michelin last year, despite objections from teams and riders. Michelin argued that some teams were intentionally starting races with low tire pressure to compensate for the pressure increase caused by riding behind another rider. This created a potentially dangerous situation and increased the risk of tire failures at high speeds. However, riders believed that the dangers associated with running with tires with too high pressure, such as lack of front-end sensitivity leading to crashes, were greater than those of running with too low pressure. They also noted the absence of significant cases in which low tire pressure caused dramatic and dangerous failures.
Since Michelin became the control tire manufacturer in 2016, the series has undergone significant changes in terms of aerodynamics and ride height devices. However, Michelin’s technology has not kept pace with these developments. The company has been working on a new front tire since 2019, but faced mixed results during extensive testing in the 2024 pre-season. Consequently, it is very likely that the rules regarding minimum pressure will continue to be a significant factor in races until at least 2025.
Although disqualifications have been avoided, pilots still hope that the reduction of the minimum tire pressure limit will provide some relief. However, the penalties of eight and 16 seconds are still detrimental to their chances of success during a race weekend. Several examples from previous races demonstrate the impact of penalties on the positions of the pilots, with some dropping from podium finishes to lower positions.
In conclusion, MotoGP has revised the penalty for violating the minimum tire pressure rule, opting for a time penalty instead of disqualification. While this change offers some flexibility, pilots still face significant penalties that can ruin their chances of a successful weekend. Controversy surrounding these rules persists, with pilots expressing concerns about the dangers of running on tires with too high pressure compared to running on tires with too low pressure. Michelin’s technology has struggled to keep up with the constantly evolving demands of the series, and it is likely that the minimum pressure rules will continue to be influential in races in the foreseeable future.
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Soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo impressed everyone during last night’s match. The player scored three goals and secured the victory for his team. With this incredible performance, Ronaldo once again showed why he is considered one of the best players in the world.
The match started with strong pressure from the opposing team. However, Ronaldo managed to dribble past the defenders and score his first goal at the 15-minute mark of the first half. This goal gave the necessary boost to his team and they were able to control the rest of the game.
In the second half, Ronaldo showed his skill and precision by scoring two more goals. With these three goals, the player became the top scorer of the championship and increased his lead in the race for the Golden Boot.
In addition to the goals, Ronaldo was also responsible for several assists during the match. He showed his vision and ability to create opportunities for his teammates.
After the match, Ronaldo was interviewed and expressed his happiness with the result. He thanked the fans for their support and highlighted the importance of the victory for the team. “We are working hard to achieve our goals and this victory is an important step in that direction,” said the player.
With this victory, Ronaldo’s team remains at the top of the championship. They are confident in their ability to win the title and will continue to give their all in each match.
The team’s next match will be against one of the main rivals in the championship. It will be an exciting showdown and everyone is eager to see Ronaldo’s performance once again.
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