MotoGP competitors Aleix Espargaro and Marc Marquez have voiced their concerns about riders deliberately slowing down during qualifying to follow faster bikes, highlighting the potential for “dangerous” scenarios.
The discussion regarding tow strategies in MotoGP surged again on Saturday at Silverstone, as several racers grouped up during their second laps in a bid to utilize the aerodynamic benefits on the length of the track’s three long straights.
Although slipstreaming itself isn’t inherently a safety risk, the qualifying session for the British Grand Prix witnessed numerous riders reducing their speeds dramatically to enable others to pass them, only to accelerate again and draft behind their rivals.
This resulted in strange occurrences as the session approached its conclusion, with Aprilia’s Espargaro exploiting the scenario to secure his first pole position of the season, managing to achieve a clean lap away from close competition.
Defending champion Francesco Bagnaia was the first to convey his dissatisfaction with the proceedings during qualifying at Silverstone, asserting that changes will not occur unless regulators intervene.
Despite gaining from Bagnaia’s hardships, Espargaro echoed the Italian’s sentiments, condemning riders for creating a “ridiculous” situation in qualifying, while cautioning against the hazards of unnecessary slow speeds on the circuit.
The pole winner remarked: “In qualifying, there are two risks you can take. The first is to be the first one to head out [on track] because everyone will follow, mixing with the crowd.
“The second option is to wait and go last, but that can ruin your lap if a yellow flag is waved.”
Aleix Espargaro, Aprilia Racing Team
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
“I opted for the second choice. I prefer not to follow others; I rather pave my own way.”
“I share the same view as Pecco. It’s simply ridiculous that riders linger in the garage waiting for a tow.”
“It’s absurd to see several riders – usually the same ones – completely stopped in the middle of the track, waiting for others.”
“This also endangers [your rivals] because others don’t want to push, leading to cold tires which is unsafe.”
“But since the rules permit it, this is racing; however, like Pecco, I find it absurd.”
Marquez, a six-time champion, followed Bagnaia during his initial qualifying run, achieving a lap that momentarily placed him fifth on the grid after a challenging Friday at Silverstone.
However, during his last attempt, the Gresini rider became stuck behind the slower VR46 bikes of Fabio di Giannantonio and Marco Bezzecchi, failing to improve his time and slipping to seventh on the grid.
Despite attempting to gain an edge for himself, Marquez was also dissatisfied with the qualifying format. However, he believes transitioning to a superpole format—where each rider has individual sessions for fast laps—would detract from the excitement.
Marc Marquez, Gresini Racing
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
“The racing format will remain the same unless there is a significant change in qualifying practices or a shift to a superpole system,” he stated.
“However, past experiences have shown that such a superpole format can be dull. Personally, I have no objections, but the World Superbike’s one-by-one qualifying has often compromised the excitement.”
“Ultimately, drafting behind another bike grants certain advantages while also forfeiting others.”
“As seen today during the second run, every rider in Q2 was waiting for the top performers.”
An idea circulating among teams includes establishing a maximum time limit for each track sector, thus curbing the amount of time riders can slow down during qualifying.
Nevertheless, Marquez believes that it won’t completely resolve the issue, as riders will simply bide their time in the pits until faster bikes are released onto the track.
“Changes can be implemented, but ultimately the strategy will merely shift to the pitlane, much like in Moto3 currently,” he explained.
“Sector modifications are possible, but strategy in the pit will simply evolve. In the end, various tactics can be used.”
“This Grand Prix marked the first time I sought a slipstream. While I prefer not to, as I did in earlier races, I have to adhere to the rules.”
