MotoGP riders Aleix Espargaro and Marc Marquez have raised concerns about the dangerous practice of slowing down in qualifying to follow faster bikes, which they believe could lead to risky situations on the track.
During the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, several riders formed groups to gain an aerodynamic advantage on the circuit’s long straights. This tactic involves slowing down to allow rivals to pass before picking up speed and tucking in behind them. While slipstreaming itself is not unsafe, the extreme slowing down seen in qualifying sessions has sparked criticism.
Aprilia’s Espargaro capitalized on the situation to secure his first pole position of the year, avoiding the chaotic scenes caused by riders jostling for position. Reigning champion Francesco Bagnaia and Espargaro both criticized the practice, calling it ridiculous and warning of the dangers associated with unnecessary slowdowns on track.
Marquez, a six-time champion, also expressed frustration with the qualifying process at Silverstone. While he acknowledges the benefits of slipstreaming, he believes that a switch to a superpole format, where all riders set their fastest laps in turns, could diminish the excitement of the show.
Various ideas, such as setting time limits for each sector, have been proposed to address the issue. However, Marquez believes that riders will adapt their strategies to exploit any new rules, potentially shifting the focus of competition to the pitlane.
Despite the challenges posed by slipstreaming tactics in qualifying, riders like Espargaro and Marquez continue to navigate these strategies within the confines of the current regulations. The debate over towing in MotoGP reflects the ongoing evolution of race tactics and the delicate balance between competition and safety in the sport.